Rebels surround president's palace in Chad capital

By Moumine Ngarmbassa
N'DJAMENA, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Chadian rebels surrounded the presidential palace in N'Djamena on Saturday after fighting their way into the capital, and France began evacuating French and foreign nationals.
President Idriss Deby remained inside the palace, one of his ministers said. A spokesman for the rebels said they would allow him to be evacuated by the French government but it was not clear what he planned to do.


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Africa summit focus shifts from Kenya to Chad

ADDIS ABABA (AFP) — A summit of African leaders shifted its attention Friday from the crisis in Kenya to Chad, with delegates voicing fears of a major conflict that could scupper peace efforts in Sudan.

The 53-state African Union also elected Gabon's foreign minister, Jean Ping, as the new chairman of its main executive arm, replacing the charismatic Alpha Omar Konare, Mali's former president, who had been at the helm since 2003.

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Chadian rebel conflict threatens EU force: observers

NDJAMENA (AFP) — EU peacekeepers deploying to protect Darfur refugees face tough terrain in eastern Chad, where rebels fighting the African nation's government warn European troops against interfering in the conflict.

The 3,700-strong EU peacekeeping force launched Monday has a limited mandate that includes protecting refugees from Sudan's Darfur region, as well as people displaced by the insurgency in Chad and the northern Central African Republic.

But the conflict between Chad's government and rebels poses risks. Clashes have continued despite a peace accord signed last year between Ndjamena and rebel leaders.

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EU force chief warns Chad, CAR rebels not to interfere

BRUSSELS (AFP) — The commander of the EU's new peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic warned rebel groups Tuesday not to interfere with its efforts to protect refugees from strife-torn Darfur.

"We have a very clear mission. If the rebels are not interfering with our mission, it is no business of ours," Irish General Pat Nash told reporters in Brussels. "That is where we take action, if they interfere with our mission."

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