More clashes in the north

Fighting took place last week between rebels and government forces around Guizinti in the mountainous northern Tibesti region, according to AFP. AFP quoted a statement issued by the rebel Mouvement pour la democratie et la justice au Tchad (MDJT) as saying that a major military offensive launched by the government on 24 February ended in defeat at the cost of the lives of 197 government soldiers. On Wednesday the Chadian defence ministry said that fighting had taken place near Guizinti but did not comment on whether casualties had been sustained. The MDJT led by former defence and interior minister Youssouf Togoimi has been fighting the government from its northern base since October 1998. The movement failed to enter Ndjamena by the end of December 1999 as it had predicted. In mid-February the MDJT turned down President Deby’s offer of a political settlement.