Chad reopens borders after Deby’s death

Chad has reopened its borders, a day after shutting them following the death in combat of long-time ruler Idriss Déby, the military has said, according to the AFP news agency.

A night-time curfew has also been slightly relaxed. It would now start from 20:00 instead of 18:00, a statement from military council spokesman Azem Bermandoa Agouna said.

The late president’s son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, also known as “General Kaka”, has been appointed to lead the country.

He was in charge of the presidential guard before the killing of his father by rebel group Fact (the Front for Change and Concord in Chad).

Tanks and heavy artillery are still deployed around the presidency, with Fact saying it will continue its advance south.

The rebels have objected to Déby’s son taking power, saying: “Chad is not a monarchy.”