By Xinhua
Yaounde (Cameroon) : Chad’s President Idriss Deby Itno has declared a state of emergency in the country, according to reports reaching here from the Chad capital N’Djamena.
The measure was to tighten security after a rebel attack on N’Djamena this month, said the reports, quoting an address by Deby on TV and radio.
“These are exceptional measures which I must take to assure the normal functioning of the state,” said Deby.
Presidential missions will be appointed to monitor the implementation of the measures, which included travel restrictions and a curfew, said the president.
Rebels staged an offensive in N’Djamena Feb 2-3 in an attempt to overthrow the government of Deby. However, after they were defeated there by the government security forces, they withdrew to the central part of the country, before moving south.