Multiple pressures may focus Chadian rebel activity

Abstract

Significance On March 5, Chad closed its border with Libya and applied heightened security restrictions in the north. This follows a major incursion in February by Chadian rebels from Libya, who penetrated at least 400 kilometres into Chadian territory before being halted by French airstrikes. Impacts By intervening so openly to protect Deby, Paris invites deepening anti-French sentiment in Chad and elsewhere. Deby has a knack for survival, but his regime appears increasingly brittle and rebels will keep probing for weaknesses. Fighting in southern Libya may ultimately deepen instability in northern Chad if rebels return home.