Deby's Death Seen as Blow to Counterterrorism Efforts in Africa's Sahel

The death of Chad's President Idriss Deby could be a major setback for counterterrorism efforts in Africa's restive Sahel region, according to Chadian activists, African politicians and security experts.

The 68-year-old longtime leader died Monday from injuries sustained while visiting troops fighting a Libya-based rebel group known as the Front for Change and Concord in Chad, or FACT. The group had advanced the previous week from the north toward the capital, N'Djamena. Following Deby's death, generals set up a military council to run the country and named Deby's son, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, 37, as interim president. Local observers said the political turmoil could lead to more serious challenges in the Central African nation.