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Chad rebels fighting near capital Chadian rebels 'inside capital'
(30 minutes later)
Rebel forces in Chad say they have entered the outskirts of the capital, Ndjamena, after heavy fighting with government troops. Chadian rebels have entered the capital Ndjamena and are heading for the presidential palace, according to eyewitnesses in the city.
Heavy weapon fire could be heard in the city centre and seemed to be getting louder, French media reports said. Heavy weapon fire could be heard in the city centre and seemed to be getting louder, the sources said.
The fighting came as France and the United States instructed their citizens to go to designated areas of the city to prepare for evacuation. The fighting came as France and the United States prepared to get their citizens out. About 150 French troops arrived to help with the evacuation.
The African Union has expressed deep concern at the crisis.The African Union has expressed deep concern at the crisis.
"We are really, deeply preoccupied by the situation today in Chad," said Jean Ping, the newly elected chairman of the AU Commission."We are really, deeply preoccupied by the situation today in Chad," said Jean Ping, the newly elected chairman of the AU Commission.
The AU is discussing the crisis on the last day of its annual summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
'President will fall'
Following clashes on Friday around the city of Massaguet, both sides claimed victory.Following clashes on Friday around the city of Massaguet, both sides claimed victory.
On Saturday, a rebel spokesman, Abakar Tollimi, told AFP news agency that government troops were "scattering" and that President Idriss Deby would fall within hours. THE REBEL COALTION Unified Military Command includes:Union of Forces for Democracy (UFDD) led by Mahamat NouriRally of Forces for Change (RFC) led by Timane ErdimiUFDD-Fundamental led by Abdelwahid Aboud Mackaye class="" href="/1/hi/world/africa/7220434.stm">'Living in fear in N'Djamena'
But on Saturday, eyewitnesses reported seeing rebel activity in the south and east of N'Djamena.
A rebel spokesman, Abakar Tollimi, told AFP news agency that government troops were "scattering" and that President Idriss Deby would fall within hours.
Government officials said the forces were evenly matched but have not ruled out the possibility that the rebels could take N'Djamena.Government officials said the forces were evenly matched but have not ruled out the possibility that the rebels could take N'Djamena.
They said Mr Deby was at the front line on Friday but had now returned to the capital.
His current whereabouts are not known.
The BBC's Stephanie Hancock, recently based in Chad, says insecurity has always been the hallmark of Mr Deby's 17-year rule.
But the tide began to turn last year when he changed the constitution so that he could run for a third term in office, she says.
This prompted mass desertions from the army, and the situation was made worse by the accumulation of oil wealth by Mr Deby and his entourage.
But there is also friction with Sudan, with both countries backing rebel movements in the other.
Are you in Chad? Have you been affected by the fighting? Tell us what is happening where you are by using the form below:Are you in Chad? Have you been affected by the fighting? Tell us what is happening where you are by using the form below:
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