Chad’s new military ruler at father's funeral

A state funeral was held for Chad’s slain President Idriss Deby Itno in the capital N'djamena on Friday.

His son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, head of Chad's transitional government, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by several heads of state.

The late president who ruled the Central African nation for 30 years died at age 68.

An important ally to Western nations in the fight against Islamic extremism in Africa, he was fatally wounded this week while visiting the front lines of the battle against the rebels, according to a military spokesman.

French President Emmanuel Macron was present at Friday's ceremony, along with several prominent African leaders including Togo President Faure Gnassingbé and Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.

After the state funeral and prayers at the Grand Mosque of N’Djamena, Deby’s body will be flown to Amdjarass, a village about 1,000 km (621 miles) from the capital.

The country faces an uncertain future.

Both opposition leaders and the rebels accused of killing Deby say they aren't happy with what they say amounts to a coup after power was handed over to Deby’s son, 37-year-old Mahamat Idriss Deby, to lead an 18-month transitional government.