'France must back off or else ...'
2008-02-06 12:28
N'Djamena - Rebels in Chad warned France on Wednesday against intervening militarily to support President Idriss Deby Itno's regime, as French Defence Minister Herve Morin made an unannounced visit to N'Djamena.
In the aftermath of weekend offensives in the capital, rebel forces had pulled back "to better camouflage themselves" about 70km from N'Djamena, rebel spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah said.
"We warn France against all direct intervention; otherwise, things could very badly degenerate for it," said Koulamallah.
"It would risk losing face in Chad and endanger the lives of all its nationals in Africa."
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Tuesday that France - with 1 450 troops and Mirage fighter jets stationed in Chad - was ready to "do its duty" and intervene if needed be to shore up Deby's government.
In a declaration on Monday, seen as a green light for potential intervention, the UN Security Council condemned the rebel attacks and called upon UN member states to support Deby's government if requested by N'Djamena to do so.