Chad military council announces key ministerial posts

The military council that took over Chad in the aftermath of President Idriss Deby Itno's killing is pressing ahead with the announcement of key ministerial posts

N'DJAMENA, Chad -- Chad's transitional military council pressed ahead Monday with solidifying its hold on power after announcing a new government over the weekend that kept key ministries in the hands of allies. Mahamat Idriss Deby, 37, was put in charge of the central African country earlier this month after the military announced that his father, Idriss Deby Itno, had been killed by rebels on the battlefield after more than three decades in power. Political opponents immediately decried the army's move as a coup d'etat, taking to the streets in protest. Security forces violently put down one demonstration in the capital last week, fatally shooting at least six protesters, according to witnesses. Hundreds of others were detained by police.