Chad: African leaders grace Deby's inauguration a day after violent protest

A Chadian opposition supporter was shot dead during a banned demonstration on Sunday in the capital N’Djamena, a day before the inauguration of President Idriss Deby Itno.

A police officer and the opposition leader Saleh Kebzabo confirmed to AFP that “the young man died from his injuries after live bullets were fired by security forces”.

The demonstration, organised by the opposition for Saturday and Sunday denouncing the government, was dispersed on both days by riot police.

The demonstration is expected to continue on Monday as the opposition has called for a nationwide “dead city” strike defying the ban issued by the interior minister Ahmat Mahamat Bachir on Thursday.

Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Yoweri Museveni of Nigeria and Uganda respectively have already confirmed their arrival in the capital N’Djamena for the swearing-in ceremony of President Deby who is serving a fifth term.

Tomorrow I will join other Heads of State and Govt in N'Djamena for the inauguration ceremony of President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) August 7, 2016

I have left for a two-day working visit to Chad. I will also attend President Idriss Deby's swearing-in tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/RK6L26cGWA

— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) August 7, 2016

Also confirmed to be in the country are Malian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame.

MALI | Le Pdt #Keita à l’investiture d’Idriss Déby Itno : MALI & TCHAD, UNIS CONTRE LE TER.. https://t.co/schOiaTsup pic.twitter.com/48qLULugyp

— Presidence Mali (@PresidenceMali) August 8, 2016

President #Kagame arrives in N'Djamena, Chad for the Swearing in of President Idriss Déby.

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) August 8, 2016

About a dozen African heads of state and other guests are expected at the ceremony including French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian who is already in the country.

The U.S. Delegation attending #Déby's inauguration has been announced https://t.co/RxiM1r815L #Tchad #AFRICOM pic.twitter.com/xfndNlFGCY

— Ian Platz (@Ian_Platz) August 5, 2016

Idriss Deby Itno who has been in power since 1990, was re-elected in April in the first round with nearly 60% of the vote, far ahead of his nearest rival, the opposition leader Saleh Kebzabo with 12.77%.