Neighbouring Cameroonian President Paul Biya on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of Chadian President Idriss Deby.

 

"I would like in this tragic circumstance to express my most sincere condolences to the bereaved Chadian nation," Biya said in a statement on his Twitter handle.

 

It was a "huge loss" for Chad, the Central Africa sub-region, and the Africa continent, Biya added in the statement addressed to Mahamat Deby, son of the ex-president. Mahamat will lead a transitional military council for 18 months after his father's death.

 

President Deby died on Tuesday from injuries he received on the frontline of a fight against rebels, according to a statement read on national television by the spokesperson for the Chadian army, General Azem Bermandoa Agouna.