100 Soldiers Accused of Plotting to Kill President

Chad’s government has arrested 100 military officers and soldiers implicated in a failed assassination plot against President Idriss Deby last week, the security minister said.

Routouang Yoma Golom also ruled out peace negotiations with Chadian rebels and army deserters who he says were threatening to launch an offensive from the east of the landlocked oil-producing nation to try to topple Deby before the May 3 presidential election.

Deby, who has ruled Chad since leading a military coup 16 years ago, rushed home from an African summit a week ago to foil what officials said was a plot to shoot down his plane.