Tense Quiet Prevails in Chad

Sarkozy says France will support embattled government if needed
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 5, 2008 2:15 PM CST
Tense Quiet Prevails in Chad
A soldier of Chadian army looks at a charred car during a patrol in the capital city N'Djamena, on February 05, 2008 after a weekend of heavy fighting between government forces and rebels. Rebels in Chad announced Tuesday an immediate ceasefire as France-emboldened by UN condemnation of the insurgents--declared...   (Getty Images)

Chad's capital city was largely quiet today as rebels prowled the outskirts of violence-wracked N'Djamena, Reuters reports. "I think they are awaiting some reinforcements,” the foreign minister told the AP. Just in case, Nicolas Sarkozy said France was ready to lend its former colony's government military support. “Let no one doubt it,” the president declared.

Chad's government repeated claims that Sudanese government is supporting the insurgents, with one official calling the fighting "direct war" with Khartoum. Darfur rebels further attested to Sudan’s involvement in Chad, saying their members were in the country as well—but only to attack the Sudanese troops fighting with the Chadian rebels. (More Chad stories.)

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