Chad's President Idriss Deby dead

Recently re-elected President Idriss Deby of Chad died on Tuesday from injuries suffered during clashes with rebels in the north of the north-central African country at the weekend.

The announcement was made by Azem Agouna, the spokesman of Chad's army on national television and radio, a day after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Deby the winner of the April 11 presidential elections.

Deby, 68, and who has been in power since 1990, won his sixth term after garnering 79.32 percent of the votes cast.

Deby, a former army commander-in-chief, had visited the troops on the frontline on Sunday and Monday. The troops are fighting rebels belonging to the Front for Change and Concord in Chad. The rebels had advanced towards the capital N'Djamena.

Following the president's death, Mahamat Kaka, Deby's son, was named interim president.

Agouna announced dissolution of the country's national assembly and government, imposition of a nationwide curfew from 6 pm to 5 am. The country's borders also have been closed.

Deby has been key in the fight against Islamist militant groups in the west African country.