The coup leaders have promised a government of national unity to lead transition to civilian rule, but questions remain.

The coup leaders have promised a government of national unity to lead transition to civilian rule, but questions remain.

Former president’s return seen as test for country and population that still has 2011 bloody conflict fresh in memory.

President of more than 30 years had fought off several rebellions and was increasingly seen as silencing rivals.
![Chad's late President Idriss Deby was a former military officer who came to power after a rebellion in 1990 [File: Claire Soares/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-20T111612Z_197703841_RC2NZM9I2Z7I_RTRMADP_3_CHAD-DEBY.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Longtime president looking to extend three-decade rule as several opposition leaders urged supporters to boycott poll.
![Idriss Deby is one of the longest serving leaders in Africa [File: Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-04-08T070026Z_10188035_RC2JRM99IBVM_RTRMADP_3_CHAD-ELECTION-AFRICA-PRESIDENTS.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Death of Hamed Bakayoko robs President Alassane Ouattara of a political ally, adds uncertainty to the succession battle.
![People gather at the town hall of Abobo in honour of Hamed Bakayoko [Luc Gnago/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-03-12T162432Z_1906920893_RC2S9M90W4P9_RTRMADP_3_IVORYCOAST-BAKAYOKO.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Legislative vote is the first test for President Alassane Ouattara’s party since his landslide re-election last year.
![Women take part in Ivory Coast's parliamentary election campaign rally in the popular district of Yopougon, a suburb in Abidjan [File: Issouf Sanogo/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/000_9476TB.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Opposition boycott and widespread violence mean Ouattara might risk losing legitimacy he fought for years to acquire.
![Electoral commission officials are seen at a polling station in Abidjan on October 31, 2020, during Ivory Coast's presidential election [Photo by Issouf SANOGO/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/000_8UB3ZV-1.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Guineans are bracing for more post-election violence, despite Conde’s promises to ‘remain open to dialogue’.
![Police face supporters of Guinean opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo in Conakry, October 21, 2020 [Sadak Souici/AP Photo] (AP Photo)](/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AP_20295496085563.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)