Nigeria’s Buhari pays tribute to late Chadian president
President Muhammadu Buhari says Deby played an active role in their joint military campaign against Boko Haram terrorists.
CAPE TOWN, April 21 (ANA) – Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his shock and devastation at the sudden death of Chadian President Idriss Deby.
Buhari, who recently returned from London after undergoing a medical check-up, took to Twitter to convey his condolences to the people of the central African country of Chad.
“I’m deeply shocked and devastated by the sudden death of President Idriss Deby on the battlefront, defending the sovereignty of his country,” said Buhari.
Buhari added that the late president played an active role in their regional joint collaboration in the military campaign against Boko Haram terrorists.
“He was a friend of Nigeria who enthusiastically lent his hand to our efforts to defeat the murderous Boko Haram terrorists that have posed grave security challenges not only for Nigeria, but also our African neighbours, particularly Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic,” Buhari said in a series of tweets on Tuesday.
Buhari extended his condolences on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria to the people of Chad and their new leadership.
Deby died of injuries sustained on the front line while fighting rebels in the north of the Sahel, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday, quoting an army spokesperson.
The death of the 68-year-old leader was announced on Tuesday by General Azem Bermandoa Agouna, a day after Deby was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election held on April 11.
Deby, who came to power in a rebellion in 1990, took 79.3% of the April 11 vote, results showed on Monday.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher