Anxiety as Idriss Deby burial deadline imposed by Chadian rebels elapses
Friday April 23 2021
In this file photo taken on January 13, 2020, Chad s President Idriss Deby arrives to attend a summit on the situation in the Sahel region in the southern French city of Pau. PHOTO | AFP
Summary
President Deby, 68, who had been in power for three decades, died of injuries sustained in battle against rebels on the frontline, the military said.
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A rebel group that the army accused of killing Chadian president, Idriss Deby Itno said it had given the late president’s family until Wednesday midnight to bury him.
He sustained injuries while fighting rebels; son named transitional leader.
Chad’s President Idriss Deby Itno died on Tuesday from wounds sustained in battle after three decades in power, the Army said, opening a period of uncertainty in a country that is a key strategic ally of the West.
His son was immediately named transitional leader as head of a military council and both the government and parliament were dissolved, but the Army vowed “free and democratic” elections after an 18-month transitional period.
Sixth term
The shock news of Mr. Deby’s death came only the day after the 68-year-old career military man was proclaimed the winner of a presidential election that had given him a sixth term in office. The Army also announced a curfew and border closures.