'Missing' Chadian opposition figure resurfaces: Chadian FM
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 26, 2008 (AFP) — One of two Chadian opposition figures reported still missing since the failed coup attempt in Ndjamena has resurfaced and is expected to speak to the press Wednesday, Chad's foreign minister said here Tuesday.
Ahmad Allam-Mi spoke to reporters after briefing the UN Security Council Tuesday on the attempted coup by rebels allegedly backed by neighboring Sudan. He also called on UN boss Ban Ki-moon.
The minister said that Chadian authorities on Monday received information that government critic Ngarlejy Yorongar was in Ndjamena.
"We were told Yorongar is probably going to speak tomorrow to explain the circumstances of his arrest," Allam-Mi said.
Yorongar was one of three opposition figures who went missing in the wake of a rebel assault on Ndjamena by rebel groups that tried to oust Chadian President Idriss Deby in early February.
There was no word from Allam-Mi on the fate of Ibni Oumar Mahamet Saleh, the spokesman of Chad's main opposition coalition.
Meanwhile Chadian authorities said Tuesday that Lol Mahamat Choua, another opposition figure, had now been placed under house arrest after being held in police custody.
"We have no intention to arrest them unless we can prove they were accomplices in the (coup) against the legitimate institutions of the country," Allam-Mi said. "We cannot presume that they are guilty. They will be able to exercise all their legal rights if found guilty."
The minister indicated that the purpose of his visit was to thank the international community "for having condemned the aggression that came from Sudan" but also to give assurances of "our wish to normalize relations with Sudan."
"Sudan has to do its part as well," he added.
Early this month, the Security Council unanimously condemned the rebel attacks in Chad and urged world support for the Ndjamena government.
It did so as thousands of civilians fled Ndjamena and rebels threatened a new offensive to oust French-backed Deby after two days of heavy fighting saw them pull out of the capital.
Sudan and Chad both accuse the other side of backing rebels across their common border.
