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N’Djamena – Senior US officials are warning of deepening links between the Islamic State and Boko Haram.

And they are prodding Chad’s ruling strongman to introduce reforms for the sake of long-term stability.

In a rare appearance before foreign journalists at his presidential palace, Chadian President Idriss Deby indicated that he wouldn’t help with US efforts to install a unity government in Libya, his country’s northern neighbour, a former foe and an incubator for Muslim extremist groups.

The visit to Chad by America’s UN envoy, Samantha Power, and top US military officials highlights the country’s precarious position dealing with hostile militant groups and unstable neighbouring governments.

It also underscores the impoverished, land-locked country’s growing geopolitical value. — AFP