Chadian president declares victory after rebel attack

Chad’s president Idriss Deby declared victory today following a rebel attack on the capital, assuring Chadians that his government was in control of the country.

Following three hours of fighting in N’Djamena, which included attack helicopters, tanks and artillery, Deby said on state-run radio that his troops had destroyed a rebel column that attempted to infiltrate before dawn.

“The situation is under control,” Deby said.

Only sporadic gunfire could be heard around the capital following the announcement. Residents in the eastern part of the city said fighting there had completely stopped, while in the north-east, residents said government troops were conducting mop-up operations, pursuing suspected rebels.

Deby also reiterated his claim that the rebels, known as the United Force for Change, were mercenaries hired by Sudan to overthrow him – a charge the Sudanese have denied.

“In the hours to come, we will gather all of the evidence that the Sudanese government is behind the rebels,” Deby said.