YAOUNDE, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Monday called on citizens to keep promoting national unity and patriotism as the country prepares to celebrate its Independence Day.
In a televised address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, Mahamat said continued efforts to foster solidarity are essential to protecting social cohesion and driving development.
"Chad has suffered too much from the horrors of war and division," as well as intercommunal conflicts "that sow death and grief," Mahamat said, noting that the country's future depends on "its ability to remain united and stand together" despite the challenges it faces.
"We must rise above our differences, reject division and put the supreme interest of the nation above all personal considerations," he said.
Chad gained independence from France on Aug. 11, 1960. ■