'Rebels had Chad support'
2006-04-18 17:48
N'Djamena - Chadian rebels who advanced on the capital N'Djamena last week had clear support from Sudan, Chadian diplomats and human rights groups said on Tuesday.
They said Sudan wants to replace Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno with a pro-Sudanese leader.
International observers claimed Sudan offered logistical and political support to the rebels of the Chadian United Front for Change (FUC), a day after the United States branded such support "unacceptable".
Olivier Bercault, regional specialist for the global rights group Human Rights Watch, said: "The FUC rebels are Chadians, but they are clearly supported by Sudan.
"An armed movement from the east of Chad cannot arrive in N'Djamena in a few days without logistical support from Khartoum."
The FUC forces travelled 800km to fight forces loyal to Deby around the capital on Thursday.
FUC denies Sudanese backing
Bercault said the rebels were equipped with "dozens of new Toyotas".
Chad's government had accused Sudan of backing the coup attempt. The FUC denied receiving support from Sudan.
On Monday, Chad accused Sudan of forming a new rebel army to attack the country.
A French diplomatic source said Khartoum supports FUC leader Mahamat Nour Abdelkerim, with a view to toppling Deby.
Sudan has counter-accused Deby of supporting a rebellion in Sudan's Darfur region.
After repelling last week's coup attempt, Chadian authorities displayed what they said were captured Sudanese mercenary fighters, as well as arms and other materials it said were evidence of Sudanese involvement.
International observers say Nour's forces receive support from Darfur, which borders eastern Chad.
One observer said Chadian rebels had bases in El-Geneina, the capital of the Sudanese state of West Darfur: "They benefit from the open support of auxiliary militias from Khartoum. Logistical support, (support) in arms and provisions."
Chad opposition agress with government
Shortly after the founding of the FUC, one of the group's chiefs, Abdelwahit About, told Radio France Internationale the FUC had "close and friendly" ties with Khartoum.
Even the Chadian opposition supported the allegations of Sudan's involvement on Tuesday.
Ngarleji Yorongar, a fierce opponent of Deby, said: "Sudan aids the FUC materially. It's plain to see. The leadership of Mahamat Nour is a creation of the Sudanese, and today he is sufficiently armed and supported to take power in N'Djamena."
The United States suggested on Monday that Sudan may have been involved in the failed rebel offensive in Chad, and said it warned Khartoum such action was "unacceptable".
Humanitarian groups have warned that the fate of 200 000 refugees from Darfur is hanging in the balance because of the escalating crisis between Chad and Sudan.