Chad Backs Off Threat to Expel Refugees
Chad’s president on Monday backed off a threat to expel Sudanese refugees, heeding international calls to protect the tens of thousands who have fled Sudan’s volatile Darfur region. President Idriss Deby’s government also extended a deadline for halting oil production, saying it welcomed U.S. help in resolving a dispute with the World Bank over oil payments. Deby, who is seeking a third term in May 3 elections, has been trying to draw attention to Chad’s problems as he seeks help in stopping rebels he says are backed by neighboring Sudan after they launched an unsuccessful assault Thursday on the capital of N’Djamena. Full Story