South African President Ramaphosa condemns death of Chad's Déby

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on Wednesday described the death of Chad President Idriss Déby Itno in military violence as "disturbing", and expressed concern about the turmoil in that country.

Déby died on Tuesday as a result of injuries he sustained while leading his military forces to repel a rebel attack.

Ramaphosa said the involvement of armed groups in the violence was a concern. He added that an immediate cessation of violence was necessary.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the violence that has claimed so many lives, including that of President Déby. We call for calm and a cessation of fighting," he said.

Déby died a day after provisional election results revealed that he had been elected for a sixth term in the 11 April election, with 79 percent of the vote.

The African Union has also expressed its condolences, saying Déby played a key role in promoting its agenda on peace and security and was an ardent supporter of the Union's efforts to create an environment of security and stability, especially within the Sahel region.
-0- PANA CU/AR 21April2021