Chadian Govt back in driving seat

Press, 2 August 1983, Page 10

Chadian Govt back in driving seat

NZPA-Reuter N’djamena Government forces appeared to be back in control of most of Chad yesterday after they recaptured the last rebel stronghold of Faya-Largeau at the week-end.

But alleged bombings of Government positions in and around the northern oasis town by Libyan aircraft could further escalate the conflict, said analysts.

The Government said that Libyan fighter-bombers had made bombing raids on the area after the town’s recapture, and again on Sunday. Libya has again denied that its troops are taking part in fighting in Chad, not referring specifically to the Chadian allegations.

The Libyan Foreign Liaison Bureau (Foreign Ministry) said, however, that the Libyan Air Force had flown reconnissance flights within Libya’s borders after the recapture of Faya-Largeau.

Its statement was reported by the Libyan news agency J.A.N.A. from Tripoli.

In N’djamena, Chadians demonstrated in the streets to demand that France and other western allies of President Hissene Habre step up their military aid and provide air cover in response to Libya’s alleged bombings. In Washington, the State Department yesterday condemned what it called Libyan intervention in the Chad civil war, and said

that it was consulting with its allies on how to react.

Meanwhile, informed sources said that the Habre Governent had approached various governments, including those of France and the United States, for fresh military supplies. Pentagon officials also refused to confirm or deny reports that the United States aircraft carrier, Eisenhower, had been placed on alert in the Mediterranean in response to the Libyan air raids on Chad territory. In Paris, the Chadian Charge d’Affaires, Mr Ahmad Allam-Mi, said: “If France does not react, even at the diplomatic level, there is a risk of escalation of the conflict.”