Chad’s President Considers Inviting Hungarian Troops during Budapest Visit
Chad’s President to Visit Budapest Next Week
According to Szabad Európa’s diplomatic sources, Chad’s President, Mahamat Déby, is scheduled to visit Budapest next week. The Chadian President, currently in Beijing, plans to stop in Budapest before returning home. Originally scheduled for June, the visit was postponed due to violent clashes between the army and Islamist groups.
Free Europe reports that the upcoming visit will involve high-level meetings and discussions on various topics, including defence cooperation, Hungarian economic aid, the joint fight against international terrorism, efforts to stop illegal migration, and the strengthening of cultural ties between the two countries.
One of the key agreements expected to be signed is on defence cooperation, which would pave the way for a Hungarian military mission consisting of 200 soldiers to support stability in Chad. Gáspár Orbán, the son of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, was present during negotiations in N’Djamena, raising concerns among opposition politicians about the objectives of the mission. Speculations suggest interests ranging from accessing uranium reserves to serving Hungarian business interests in the region.
Azbej Tristan, head of the Hungary Helps Programme, confirmed that Captain Orbán was in Chad as an officer of the Hungarian Defence Forces. It is reported that French assistance will be provided to Hungarian soldiers in Chad, given the complexity of the mission and Hungary’s lack of experience and equipment.
The Hungarian government justifies its aid to Chad as part of efforts to curb migration to Europe and protect persecuted Christians in the region. Tristan Azbej emphasized the importance of external assistance in maintaining stability in Central Africa, particularly in addressing political instability, desertification, food scarcity, and religious persecution.
Through the Hungary Helps programme, the government offers support in various areas, including responding to crises, providing expertise in medicine, engineering, and agriculture. The focus is on ensuring that people in Chad and neighboring countries can see a future in their own countries, thereby reducing migration pressures on Europe.
In light of rising Islamist terrorism and persecution of Christians in the region, Hungary is supporting Chad’s government in promoting peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians. The upcoming visit of President Mahamat Déby to Budapest signifies the growing diplomatic relations between Hungary and Chad, with a focus on mutual cooperation and support in various areas of interest.
