Chad President Idriss Deby dies on frontlines, army spokesman says

In this file photo taken on April 11, 2021, Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno greets supporters as he leaves after casting his ballot at a polling station in N'djamena. 

Chad's President Idriss Deby has died while visiting troops on the frontline of a fight against northern rebels, the day after Deby was declared the winner of a presidential election.

Deby, 68, came to power in a rebellion in 1990 and was one of Africa's longest-ruling leaders.

His campaign said on Monday he was joining troops battling what he called terrorists after rebels based across the northern frontier in Libya advanced hundreds of kilometres south toward the capital N'Djamena.

The cause of death was not yet clear.

Army spokesman Azem Bermendao Agouna announced his death in a broadcast on state television, surrounded by a group of military officers he referred to as the National Council of Transition.

"A call to dialogue and peace is launched to all Chadians in the country and abroad in order to continue to build Chad together," he said.

"The National Council of Transition reassures the Chadian people that all measures have been taken to guarantee peace, security and the republican order."

Western countries have seen Deby as an ally in the fight against extremist groups, including Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin and groups linked to al Qaeda and the IS in the Sahel.

Deby was also dealing with mounting public discontent over his management of Chad's oil wealth and crackdowns on opponents.

His election victory had given him a sixth term in office but the April 11 vote was boycotted by opposition leaders.

More from International News

On Virgin Radio today

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • BRED Abu Dhabi

    BRED Abu Dhabi, Presented by Hypebeast, is back April 24-28 in Yas Bay. The line up is next level and locked in.

  • Untold Dubai

    It arrived: The UAE's First Mega Music Festival at Expo City Dubai!

  • Bassem Youssef

    One of the most talked about comedians in the world takes over The Kris Fade Show. Watch the full interview here...

  • Mais Vault on the Kris Fade Show!

    The boys tried their 'pick up' lines on Mais Vault and things did not go according to plan...