Chad president declares victory, ICRC puts toll at 160 dead

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

NDJAMENA (AFP) — Chad President Idriss Deby Itno declared a "stunning victory" Wednesday over rebel forces and said he was back in control, as Red Cross officials put the toll from weekend clashes at more than 160 dead.

"We have total control not only of the capital but of the country," said Deby at his first press conference since hundreds of insurgents poured into Ndjamena in a bid to overthrow his regime.

Clad in military uniform, he said there were "rebels who have fled, there are some still in Ndjamena disguised as civilians, there are some trying to get back to the border" with Sudan.

"We're at their heels and we shall catch them before they get back to Sudan," said the bespectacled 56-year-old leader, in power since 1990, adding that Chad had been...