What killing of Chadian president means for Egypt
The killing of Chadian President Idriss Deby causes Egyptian security concerns.
CAIRO — The April 19 death of Chadian President Idriss Deby has raised Egyptian concerns about new security and political challenges Egypt might face in the African Sahel region, as Cairo and N'Djamena have close security relations.
Cairo did not make any official comment on the latest developments in Chad, except for a telegram of condolences from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. However, the Egyptian media and analysts close to the government expressed their fear of turmoil in Chad.
In his telegram, Sisi described Deby as “the patriotic and wise leader who gave a lot to his people and his country, and made efforts to serve African causes in the face of various challenges.”
On April 19, Deby died after being wounded on the front line against rebels in the north of the country. The next day, the Chadian army announced a transitional council that includes a group of high-ranking army officers, and Deby’s son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was chosen as interim president. The son, 37, is a four-star general.
