Jan Christian Gordon Kricke, the German ambassador to Chad, was expelled from the country on Saturday evening by the government of Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. The Chadian government declared Kricke persona non grata for his “impolite attitude” and “non-respect of diplomatic practices”. The German diplomat was asked to leave within 48 hours on Friday, but the exact reasons for his expulsion were not specified by the officials.
However, a Chadian government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that Kricke had been “interfering too much” in the “governance of the country” and had made “remarks tending to divide Chadians”. Kricke had held the post of ambassador to Chad since July 2021.
Jan Christian Gordon Kricke’s expulsion from Chad has raised eyebrows and caused concern among foreign embassies in the country. Kricke had been serving as the German ambassador to Chad since July 2021 before being declared persona non grata by the Chadian government on Saturday evening.
Kricke’s sudden expulsion has left many wondering what exactly led to the decision by the Chadian government. While the government cited Kricke’s “impolite attitude” and “non-respect of diplomatic practices” as the reason for his expulsion, they did not provide any specifics. However, a Chadian government official, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that Kricke had been “interfering too much” in the “governance of the country” and had made “remarks tending to divide Chadians”.
Kricke’s expulsion comes amid a tumultuous time in Chad’s political landscape. Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who was proclaimed head of state by the army two years ago, had promised to transition the country back to democracy through “free and democratic elections”. However, his rule was extended for two years in October, which was boycotted by the opposition and main rebel movements. The delayed return to democracy has raised concerns among foreign embassies in Chad, including Germany, France, Spain, and The Netherlands.
The Chadian government’s decision to expel Kricke has been met with surprise and disappointment by the German foreign ministry. The reasons for Kricke’s expulsion were deemed “absolutely incomprehensible” by a German foreign ministry official. The French embassy in Chad faced a similar situation last year when their ambassador was declared persona non grata by the Chadian government for criticizing Deby Itno’s rule.
As for Kricke, it is unclear what his next steps will be. He has not made any public statements regarding his expulsion from Chad, and his future plans remain unknown. Given his extensive experience in diplomacy and African politics, it is likely that Kricke will continue to work in the field.
Kricke’s expulsion from Chad has caused surprise and concern among the German foreign ministry, as well as other foreign embassies in Chad. The strained relationship between the Chadian government and foreign diplomats has been a result of the delayed return to democracy in the country, which has been boycotted by the opposition and main rebel movements. These political tensions have led to increased scrutiny from foreign embassies regarding the country’s governance practices.
The German embassy, along with others such as France, Spain, and The Netherlands, has been vocal in expressing their concern over the situation in Chad. The delayed return to democracy has raised questions about the Chadian government’s commitment to democratic values and has led to concerns over the safety and security of opposition leaders and civilians in the country.
Who is Jan Christian Gordon Kricke ?
Jan Christian Gordon Kricke is a German diplomat who served as the ambassador to Chad until his recent expulsion from the country by the Chadian government. Kricke had been in the position since July 2021 before being asked to leave within 48 hours on Friday for his “impolite attitude” and “non-respect of diplomatic practices”. He subsequently departed the country on Saturday evening.
Before serving in Chad, Kricke had held various diplomatic positions within the German foreign service. He has also worked as a consultant and researcher on African politics and economics.
Image Credit: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
