Chadian envoy in Khartoum announces defection

May 19, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Chadian chargé d’affaires in Khartoum, Kabaro Hussein al-Soleil, has announced his defection from the government of Idriss Deby. He further denounced the severing of relations between Chad and Sudan and the closing of the borders between the two countries.

In a statement issued by the Chadian embassy in Khartoum yesterday, Al-Soleil said he sensed the danger and the extent of troubles resulting from these and the destructive effect they had on the two countries.

He described Idriss Deby as imperious saying that he is ruling through tribalism, rape, chaos, nepotism, violation, killing, terrorism and the dominance of planned disorder.

Al-Soleil accused Idriss Deby’s regime of being responsible for what is happening in Darfur in terms of destruction and armed robbery. He said Deby was also responsible for the prevalence of corruption in the whole region particularly in eastern Chad where was personally involved.

He appealed to Deby to take pity on the Chadian nation and to stop tampering with their lives and property.

The Chadian diplomat called on Deby to admit that the 3 May 2006 elections were an unsuccessful farce and to consider its results null and void.

He demanded Deby set up a six-month transitional government mandated to prepare for free and independent elections and not to put himself forward as a candidate.

Al-Soleil demanded Deby implement the Tripoli agreement signed with Sudan and to negotiate with Sudan in order to normalize relations.

He further called on all the Chadian diplomats to follow his example and defect from the Deby government in order to support the subjugated Chadian people.

Chadian President Idriss Deby announced on Friday 14 April that his government had decided to break off diplomatic relations with Sudan, accusing it of supporting rebels who attempted to storm N’Djamena but were defeated by the army.

(ST)