Idriss Dèby, 68 who had just won the presidential election in Chad is dead.
He was pronounced dead by the army spokesperson General Azem Agouna on a live TV broadcast.
It is said the late president died while in a battle in the north of Chad where they had gone to attack some rebels and take control of the city.
He got serious injuries and died a few minutes later.
He had just won his sixth term and announced a few hours before as winner of the presidential election.
He ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades but promised peace and security by driving out rebel forces.
His 37 year old son Mahmud Ibn Dèby will take over as army commander and president of the nation as declared by the army spokesperson