New York (UNA-OIC) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has underlined the UN’s solidarity with the Republic of Chad following the death of the country’s leader, announced on Tuesday.
President Idriss Déby died from injuries sustained in clashes with rebels in the north over the weekend, according to state media reports.
The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of his death, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Guterres has expressed his profound condolences to the President’s family, and to the people and Government of Chad.
“President Déby Itno was a key partner for the United Nations and made significant contributions to regional stability, particularly as part of efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime in the Sahel,” the statement said.
“In these difficult times, the United Nations stands with the Chadian people in their efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future.”
President Déby, 68, had been in power for more than three decades. The announcement of his death came a day after provisional results of elections held on 11 April showed he would win a sixth term in office.
