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Rebels Storm Chad's Capital in Coup Attempt

French, US embassies prepare to evacuate amid fighting

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 2, 2008 8:47 AM CST
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(Newser) – Rebels looking to overthrow Chad's president stormed the capital today, advancing toward the African nation’s presidential palace and ransacking its parliament building, CNN reports. Ndjamena has been the site of fierce clashes between rebels and government forces, and today, a military source told the AFP it “is in the hands of the rebels.” Chad’s foreign minister disputed the claim, insisting Ndjamena is under control.

President Idriss Deby remained at the presidential palace, with rebels setting fires across the capital and unleashing heavy gunfire in the former French colony. American and French embassies are readying plans to evacuate staff and citizens, but France warned nationals to stay indoors until arrangements were set. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said he was “deeply concerned” by the resumed fighting.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy , left, shake hands with Chadian President Idriss Deby, right, as the French President arrived in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. David Martinon, a French presidential spokesman, said the French leader Nicolas Sarkozy had held a long telephone conversation with President Deby Saturday, CNN...
French President Nicolas Sarkozy , left, shake hands with Chadian President Idriss Deby, right, as the French President arrived in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. David Martinon,...   (Associated Press)
Darfur refugees have flocked to Chad, but have found that conditions there are also hostile, with lawlessness prevailing, CNN says.
Darfur refugees have flocked to Chad, but have found that conditions there are also hostile, with lawlessness prevailing, CNN says.   (Getty Images)
Chad's President Idriss Deby arrives for an EU Africa Summit in Lisbon, Sunday Dec. 9, 2007. Heavy gunfire was heard Saturday Feb. 2, 2008 near the presidential palace in Chad, a hotel operator reached by telephone said, and rebel forces were believed to have reached the capital after a lightning...
Chad's President Idriss Deby arrives for an EU Africa Summit in Lisbon, Sunday Dec. 9, 2007. Heavy gunfire was heard Saturday Feb. 2, 2008 near the presidential palace in Chad, a hotel operator reached...   (Associated Press)
Chad's President Idriss Deby waves to supporters, in this Sunday, April 30, 2006 file photo, in the capital, N'djamena before his last election for a third term in the capital , N'Djamena. Hundreds of rebels penetrated the capital of Chad on Saturday Feb 2 2008, clashing with government troops and moving...
Chad's President Idriss Deby waves to supporters, in this Sunday, April 30, 2006 file photo, in the capital, N'djamena before his last election for a third term in the capital , N'Djamena. Hundreds of...   (Associated Press)
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Sudan, Chad accuse each other of stoking rebel rage
BBC

African Union gets tough with rebels
Washington Post

EU delays Chad peacekeeping mission
Irish Times (Ireland)

 
United Nations • Chad • France • Idriss Deby • Chadian rebels • Ndjamena

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