Idriss Déby was killed on the front line while visiting troops battling rebels

A court in Chad on Tuesday handed life sentences to more than 400 rebels over the killing of former President Idriss Déby.

The former president died of his injuries in April 2021 following clashes with rebels in the north of the country. He was one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders after spending more than three decades in power.

The mass trial of the 465 members of Front for Change and Concord in Chad (Fact) rebel group started in February in the capital, N’Djamena, behind closed doors.

They were found guilty of acts of terrorism, undermining national security and endangering the life of the head of state among other charges.

The group has described the trials as flawed and a “masquerade”.

One defence lawyer suggested there would be an appeal.