President Salva Kiir Mayardit rang the bell at Juba Day Secondary School to signal the start of the 2020 Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations. Photo Presidency Press

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared a three-day mourning period after the killing – yesterday – of Chadian President Idriss Deby who reportedly died while ‘defending’ his country against FACT rebels.

“On behalf of South Sudanese, I express my deepest sympathies to the Chadian people on the death of their President, Idriss Déby Itno, who fell defending his country. Chad under President Déby played key role in restoration of peace in our country,” Kiir said in a statement seen by Sudans Post.

“For example, under his leadership Chad was among the High-Level Ad-hoc committee established by the African Union in 2014 to help find ways of ending war in our country. President Déby was also pivotal in our mediation efforts to end the Sudanese conflict.

“His behind the scene work allowed us to achieve the historic Juba Peace Agreement in October, 2020. We, in South Sudan will remember him for helping in the mediation of our conflict, and he will also be remembered across Africa for committing Chadian troops to G5 Sahel Joint Force and the Sahel Alliance, a multi-national force formed to deal with the threat posed by Boko Haram and its affiliate militants in that region.

“In honour and solidarity with the people of Chad, I am declaring three days of mourning and instructing all our institutions to fly their flags at half-mast during this period.

“At this sad moment in Chad, we pray that its people will remain united both in action and purpose as they work to achieve meaningful transition that guarantees stability in their country.

“I pray that God will give all Chadians the comfort they need in this hour to endure this immense loss.” - Sudans Post