麻豆社

The people of Chad have voted in a presidential election widely expected to deliver President Idriss Deby a fifth term in office. Mr Deby, who took power in a coup 26 years ago, is seen by Western governments as an ally against Islamist militants in central Africa. In the run-up to the election, security was stepped up with protest marches banned and activists imprisoned. Celeste Hicks, the author of the book 'Africa's New Oil', told us why President Deby is popular after so long in power.

(Pic Residents wait to cast their vote at a polling station in N'djamena, Chad for the presidential election; Credit AFP)