In Chad, Deby's Death Leaves a Void in the Heart of Africa

The unexpected death of Chad’s president will impede the country’s involvement in regional counterinsurgency operations and may force France to intervene in order to avoid a violent power transition that would exacerbate security crises elsewhere in Africa. The Chadian army announced that long-time President Idriss Deby had been killed on April 19 while visiting the frontlines of the fight against a rebel group that invaded Chad on April 11. The army also announced the suspension of Chad's constitution, the dissolution of the government and National Assembly, and the creation of a transitional military council. Mahamat "Kaka" Idriss Deby, one of the late president's sons, will head the council during an 18-month transitional period. ...