By Awan Achiek
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared three days of mourning following the death of Chad’s President, Idriss Déby Itno.
Chad’s President Idriss Déby died yesterday of injuries following clashes with rebels in the north of the country.
Déby, 68, spent more than three decades in power and was one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
An army officer by training, he came to power in 1990 through an armed uprising.
He was a long-time ally of France and other Western powers in the battle against jihadist groups in the Sahel region of Africa.
In a statement seen by Juba Echo, president Kiir expressed his deepest sympathy with the people of Chad on the death of their President Idriss.
“In honor and solidarity with people of Chad, I hereby declare three days of mourning and instructing all our institutions to fly their flags at half-mast during this period,” Kiir said.
Mayardit encouraged the people of Chad to remain united both in action and purpose as they work to achieve a meaningful transition that guarantees stability in their Country.
