afrol News, 6 February - The Chadian leader has made his first public appearance since rebels launched attacks in the country. President Idriss Deby said his government had conquered the rebellion that first erupted at the weekend.

The confident leader told reporters in the capital N'Djamena that his government is in total control of the entire country.

The Chadian government had earlier ruled out a ceasefire with the rebels, claiming it has defeated them.

But the rebels complained against what they called the bombing of innocent people by French military helicopters.

The recent fighting has been described as the worst to strike N'Djamena where aid workers are busy collecting dead bodies on the streets. It has also caused huge destruction to many buildings and vehicles in the capital.

Thousands of Chadian have fled to the neighbouring countries, including Cameroon and Nigeria. Humanitarian workers in Cameroon said at least 20,000 Chadian refugees have arrived in the country. About 1,000 people have reportedly sustained injuries.

Mr Deby's speech has given confidence to many people to emerge from hiding. Although peace and calm returned to the capital, most businesses and services remained closed on Wednesday.

An African Union mediation mission from Libya and Congo-Brazzaville is expected to hold talks with both the rebels and government.

French President, Nicholas Sarkozy, said his government will "do its duty" to deal with the rebel aggression in the former French colony. President Sarkozy has sent his defence minister to meet President Deby. .

The two countries signed a military agreement that obliges France to provide "logistical, medical and training support" to Chad.

Chadian and French soldiers have been patrolling the streets of N'Djamena. French helicopters are also busy bombing rebels believed to have been stranded outside the capital.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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