US orders citizens to leave Chad as rebels march on capital
N'Djamena, Chad (PANA) - The U.S. Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency government employees from the U.S. Embassy in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, due to civil unrest and armed violence.
In a security alert, it said Armed non-governmental groups in northern Chad have moved south and appear to be heading toward N’Djamena.
"Due to their growing proximity to N’Djamena, and the possibility for violence in the city, non-essential U.S. Government employees have been ordered to leave Chad by commercial airline. U.S. citizens in Chad wishing to depart should take advantage of commercial flights," the alert said.
It added that the government of Chad may impose travel restrictions without notice, which may affect travel plans. The government of Chad may also block communications channels, including telephone service, social media, and internet.
"The U.S. Government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chad as U.S. Government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of the capital, including the Lake Chad Basin."
Chadian president Idriss Deby, 68, who came to power through a coup in 1990, is seeking a sixth term in election held last week. Partial results show he is in the lead. The election commission has until 25 April to announce provisional results.
Rebels have been pushing south towards the capital and reports quote a government official as saying the army has repelled them.
A rebel convoy was intercepted in the southwestern Kanem region on Saturday, army spokesman Colonel Azem Bermandoa said in a statement. “The convoy was destroyed and a sweep is underway to capture the fugitives,” Bermandoa said in the statement.
-0- PANA MA 19April2021
