The BIC is shocked to hear of the death of President Idriss Deby of Chad who had reportedly died while visiting troops on the front lines against rebels, and are concerned that the longstanding leader's death could trigger new instability in the volatile Sahel region. It is of particular concern that reports indicate that the rebels involved were originally based in Libya, a country that is beginning its own precarious path towards a political settlement.
BIC's Political Analyst, Ben Lowings said "The regions of the Sahel and North Africa are intrinsically linked through cross-border dynamics, including serious issues of political and security instability. There is a risk that the death of President Deby could have negative knock-on consequences in many contexts, and so the international community must remain vigilant."