President Idriss Deby of Chad died from wounds he received while visiting battle lines between rebels and government soldiers in the country’s northern region on Tuesday.
“The president of the republic, head of state, supreme chief of the army, Idriss Deby Itno, just drew his last breath while defending the nation’s integrity on the battlefield,” an army spokesman said on state television, according to the New York Times.
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The details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unclear.
Deby’s death came one day after he was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, in which he claimed 79% of the vote, according to Reuters. The victory would have given Deby his sixth term in office.
A transitional council of military officers reportedly named Deby’s son Mahamat Kaka as interim president.
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Deby, who was 68, ascended to power in 1990 after leading a rebellion against former Chad President Hissene Habre. He was the longest-serving president of the African nation.
