Chad’s President Poised to Extend his 30 Years in Power

Partial provisional results in Chad’s April 11 election released Saturday show President Idriss Deby leading and appearing to be headed for another term in office, extending his three-decade rule.

Preliminary results are expected April 25. Deby is viewed in Europe and the U.S. as a key ally in the fight against terrorism in West and Central Africa. Within the country, though, there have been signs of growing discontent over his handling of Chad’s oil wealth. Opposition leaders had called on supporters to boycott the vote.