Chad Rebels Prepare Offensive As Former President Is Buried

The Guardian: Chad rebels prepare offensive as president Idriss Déby is buried

Front for Change and Concord heads towards capital, N’Djamena, where memorial took place.

Rebels were preparing a new offensive towards the capital of Chad on Friday as dignitaries and supporters paid their final respects to Idriss Déby, the veteran ruler of the central African state, who died earlier this week from wounds sustained “on the battlefield”.

The Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) said its forces were about 190 miles (300km) north of N’Djamena, the capital, but would observe a pause in hostilities to allow time for Déby, who was 68 when he died, to be buried.

“We will let them bury him … It’s a humane attitude” Sharfadine Galmaye, a spokesperson for FACT, said.

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WNU Editor: It looks like this interim government in Chad is already falling apart ....

href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56850715">Chad family feud intensifies transition tensions after Idriss Déby's death (BBC).

More News On Chad

Foreign leaders arrive for Chad leader's funeral as rebels threaten advance -- Reuters

Ahead of Deby's funeral, Chad rebels say command hit by air strike -- Reuters

Where Did Chad Rebels Prepare for Their Own War? In Libya -- NYT

With eye on Islamist fight, France backs Chad military takeover -- Reuters

How Deby’s death will affect the Sahel and beyond -- Al Jazeera

Concerns over regional stability as Chad's longtime leader Deby is laid to rest -- France 24