Buhari Mourns as Chadian President, Deby, Dies Fighting Rebels

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over “the sudden and tragic death of President Idriss Deby of Chad on the front line, fighting against rebel soldiers.”

The Nigerian leader was, however, silent on the constitutional violation, which saw the Chadian army take over the government and jettison a constitutional transition.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the army said it was suspending the constitution, dissolving the parliament and imposing a military council, following the death Tuesday of Mr Deby, who had ruled Chad for over 30 years.

The military council will be led by Mr Deby’s 37-year-old son, Mahamat Kaka, who is an army general.

Based on the Chadian constitution, the speaker of the parliament should assume power for an interim period of 40 days following the death of a sitting president.

Mr Deby died from injuries sustained during the army’s fight against rebels, the army said on Tuesday.

Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, President Buhari said: “I’m deeply shocked and devastated by the sudden death of Idriss Deby on the battle front to defend the sovereignty of his country.”

Mr Buhari’s reaction was contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

According to the Nigerian president, “the late Deby had played a very active role in our regional joint collaboration in the military campaign against the Boko Haram terrorists.”