France on Thursday defended the Chadian army’s takeover of power after the battlefield death of President Idriss Deby presented Paris with an uncomfortable choice – back an unconstitutional military leader or risk undermining its fight against Islamists, Reuters reported on Thursday. Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, justified the installation of a military council headed by Deby’s son on the grounds that stability and security were paramount at this time. “There are exceptional circumstances,” Le Drian told France 2 television. Deby’s son Mahamat took control of the country and its armed forces on Wednesday, dissolving the parliament and suspending the constitution. The 624 new cases reported between March 28 and April 3 is a reduction from the 849 recorded the previous week…With eye on Islamist fight, France backs military takeover in ChadWith eye on Islamist fight, France backs military takeover in Chad

Source: Nigerian Tribune April 22, 2021 18:11 UTC