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.