Chad government frees 250 rebels ahead of talks

The transitional authorities in Chad have released the first of some 250 members of armed group from prison.

Chad authorities had promised to free imprisoned rebels under an amnesty.

Justice Minister Ahmat Mahamat Alhabo led a short ceremony at a prison near the capital where 22 detainees who had been convicted of taking up arms against the government were released.

Rebel groups have been invited to join national peace-building talks which are due to start next month.

The amnesty was proposed following President Idriss Déby’s death at the battlefront last April.