Chadian President, Idriss Deby has on Tuesday died while visiting troops on the frontline, fighting northern rebels, army spokesperson, Azem Bermendao Agouna said. Deby, 68 who was one of Africa’s longest-ruling leaders, ruling since 1990 died a day after he was declared winner of the just concluded presidential election in Chad, making it his sixth term.
Though the cause of death was not mentioned, Agouna in a nationwide broadcast said, “A call to dialogue and peace is launched to all Chadians in the country and abroad in order to continue to build Chad together,”
“The National Council of Transition reassures the Chadian people that all measures have been taken to guarantee peace, security and the republican order.”
The president was supported and praised for his fearlessness and his drive to fight against Islamic extremists including, Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin, and other terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
However, there was public discontent over the alleged mismanagement of the country’s oil wealth by the late president.
Meanwhile, the Chadian Army has confirmed General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, a Four-star General who is the son of the late president will replace him as head of the military council
