JUST IN: Chadian President, Idris Deby, Dies

Chad’s President Idriss Deby has died, the country’s military has announced.

Mr Deby, who was reported Monday to have won a sixth term, died of injuries while on the frontline during a battle against rebels who were advancing on the country’s capital, Ndjamena.

The army had earlier said it had beaten back a column of the fighters, killing some 300 of them.

Deby, who came to power in 1990, was announced as the winner of the controversial election with 79.32% of the votes on Monday.

It would have been his 6th term in office.

Opposition candidate and leaders were arrested and the internet was shut down during the election period.