Chad (MNN) — Idriss Déby, President of Chad for the last 30 years, has been killed. He was visiting the frontlines of fighting against rebel forces. The military has named his son interim president, although Chad’s constitution says the prime minister should take that role.
Meanwhile, the rebels continue advancing towards the capital. David Bogosian of Christian Aid Mission says it’s a very tense time for Christians in Chad, whom Déby treated very well. “It’s not known what the intentions of the rebels are, in terms of how they will relate to Christians. But the uncertainty in the political environment is something that’s a real concern to Christians because he maintained the peace. And there have been civil wars between Christians and Muslims in the past. Many have been concerned that Chad could go the way of Sudan, which basically split between Muslims and the North and Christians in the South.”
“It really was President Idriss that kept the country together.”
Déby’s death could also jeopardize counterterrorism efforts in the region. Bogosian says, “Chad was an island of stability in the midst of all the chaos that is Central Africa. Chad is surrounded by Boko Haram on the West and surrounded by civil unrest in the East in Sudan. Then you’ve got Libya in the North. You’ve got chaos all over the place.”
Pray for stability in Chad. Ask God to give Christians wisdom as they serve Jesus in a volatile situation.
The header photo shows Idriss Déby in 2016. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
