The circumstances of Deby s death remained murky and some observers immediately questioned the events leading up to Tuesday s announcement, raising the question of whether the military handing over power to Deby s son instead of following the constitutional provisions in place amounted to a coup. Others raised fears of violence in the days to come.
“There is a great deal of uncertainty around how events in Chad will unfold: Whether the army will stay loyal to Deby’s son and continue the effort to repel the advancing rebels? said Cameron Hudson with the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council.
Chadians fed up after 30 years of Deby s rule could also align with the calls for change, he said.
Edouard Takadji And Krista Larson
FILE - In this Friday, May 29, 2015 file photo, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno arrives for the inauguration of the new Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, at the eagle square in Abuja, Nigeria. Deby, who ruled the central African nation for more than three decades, was killed on the battlefield Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in a fight against rebels, the military announced on national television and radio. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File) April 20, 2021 - 12:28 PM
N DJAMENA, Chad - Chadâs president of three decades died of wounds suffered during a visit to front-line troops battling a shadowy rebel group, the military announced Tuesday, as the insurgents vowed to take the capital in what could become a violent battle for control of the oil-rich Central African nation.
Chad’s president of three decades died of wounds suffered during a visit to front-line troops battling a shadowy rebel group, the military announced Tuesday.
Chad’s longtime leader has died of wounds suffered during a visit to frontline troops battling a little-known rebel group, the military said.
The announcement came just hours after President Idriss Deby Itno was declared the winner of an election that would have given him another six years in power.
The military quickly announced Mr Deby’s son as the central African nation’s interim leader, succeeding his 68-year-old father, who ruled for more than three decades.
Some observers immediately questioned the chain of events leading up to Tuesday’s stunning announcement on national radio and television.
Chad army spokesman General Azem Bermandoa Agouna announces the death of Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno on state television (Tele Tchad via AP)
Chad President Idriss Deby Itno killed on battlefield chicagotribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chicagotribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.