CONTRASTING REPORTS ABOUT THE REBELS’ ADVANCE.

MISNA
1 February 2008

Editor's Note: According to the latest reports, the Chadian army, with the help of the French, defended some sections of N'Djamena, but the UFDD is still in control of the city and has reached the Presidential Palace. Col. Gaddafi and President Nguesso, current allies of the U.S and the French respectively, are tipped to lead the diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire. The AU has already proclaimed they will not recognize the UFDD if they take power by force.

While non essential UN staff in N’djamena is being moved to Cameroon, there are contrasting reports about clashes between the army and the rebels. The army claims to have demolished a rebel column in a 40 minute long battle. UFDD (Union des forces pour la démocratie et le développement) spokesman, Hassan Boulmaye, told MISNA, however, that "army vehicles and munitions have been taken, as the army has been dealt a heavy defeat” adding that "the forces could enter N’Djamena this very evening, but they are evaluating the various scenarios before putting civilian lives at risk”. Neither party’s statements are easy to verify, but it seems that, after a busy morning, the situation is now in a ‘wait and see’ phase. The French backed Chadian government troops are waiting in N’djamena in a state of alert.

"I condemn firmly any attempt to take power with arms” said the EU development commissioner, Louis Michel: "the only way to reach power – he added – is through dialogue, political compromise and elections”.