Chad president killed battling rebels on frontlines Top Story April 21, 2021 N’DJAMENA, Chad: Chad´s President Idriss Deby Itno died in combat after three decades in power, the army said Tuesday, opening a period of uncertainty in a country that is a key strategic ally of the West in a troubled region. 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. The army said Deby had died from injuries sustained as he led his troops against rebels who launched an offensive against his regime from Libya last week. Chad had claimed victory against the fighters, but soon after the announcement of Deby´s death, they vowed to pursue their offensive and march on the capital N´Djamena.