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| - Foreign leaders paid homage Tuesday to Chad's late president Idriss Deby Itno, a key Western ally in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel region. Here are some reactions following Deby's shock death, which according to the army came after he was wounded in fighting against rebel fighters last weekend. The US State Department issued a statement offering condolences to the people of Chad and condemning the "recent violence and loss of life" in the country. "The United States stands with the people of Chad during this difficult time. We support a peaceful transition of power in accordance with the Chadian constitution," said the statement from State Department spokesman Ned Price. "Chad is losing a great soldier and a president who has worked tirelessly for the security of the country and the stability of the region for three decades," the office of French President Emmanuel Macron said in statement, hailing Deby as a "courageous friend" of France, Chad's former colonial ruler. The statement also emphasised France's insistence on the "stability and territorial integrity" of Chad as it faces a push by rebel forces toward its capital, N'Djamena. After a new transitional military council led by one of Deby's sons pledged to hold elections in 18 months, French Foreign Minister Le Drian warned that the delay should be "limited". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his condolences on Twitter, praising Deby's "bold leadership and... his historic decision to renew Chad's relationship with Israel." In neighbouring Mali, also in the throes of a transitional military rule, interim President Bah Ndaw voiced "deep sadness" over the news of Deby's "brutal death". He called it a "heavy loss" not only for Chad but for the Sahel region and beyond in Africa, where the two countries have been allies against the bourgeoning jihadist threat. President Mohamed Bazoum and the government in neighbouring Niger offered their condolences to the bereaved family people of Chad in an official statement. They hailed Deby's "personal engagement in the fight against terrorism and for stabilising the Sahel-Sahara region". The statement also reassured the Chadian people of Niger's "commitment to work together with them for the peace and stability of the G5 Sahel States and the States bordering Lake Chad". The head of the African Union Moussa Faki Mahamat, a former Chadian prime minister, said he was saddened by Deby's death, sending his condolences to his family. "It is with great dismay and deep emotion that I learned of the death today of President Idriss Deby Itno," said Faki, who was Chad's PM from 2003 to 2005. He called Deby a "great statesman and recognised military leader. I extend my sincere condolences to the Chadian people and his family." burs-jv/pvh/dl
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