What's Next for Chad Following Armed Clashes in the Capital?

Recent armed clashes in Chad's capital were likely an attempt by junta leader Mahamat Deby to consolidate power ahead of upcoming elections, but they risk triggering more violence that could further destabilize the Central African country. On the night of Feb. 27-28, several people were killed in an attack on the headquarters of Chad's intelligence agency (ANSE), which the government subsequently blamed on the opposition Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF). While the government claimed the situation was ''under control,'' on Feb. 28, government forces assaulted the PSF's headquarters in the capital, which caused dozens of fatalities, according to news outlet Tchad One. Thereafter, reports emerged that PSF leader Yaya Dillo had been killed, which was later confirmed by Chad's public prosecutor on Feb. 29. It also appears that the uncle of Chadian junta leader Mahamat Deby, Saleh Deby Itno, was arrested following a raid on his residence. ...