Chad President Idriss Déby Dies Fighting Rebel Attack

Chad's newly re-elected president Idriss Déby has died from injuries sustained in an attack by rebels. Idriss Déby Itno, who has ruled since 1990, had been declared victorious in the first round of the country's presidential electon held on April 11, 2021. VOA reports that the government and parliament have been dissolved and a military council will take charge of Chad for the next 18 months. The council is to be led by Deby's 37-year-old son, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

The Chadian military earlier said it had halted an advance by forces opposed to the government. France24 reports that the rebels have vowed to pursue the offensive. "We categorically reject the transition," said Kingabe Ogouzeimi de Tapol, spokesman for the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) on Tuesday. 

InFocus

Chad's President Idriss Deby Itno.

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.