Mahamat Deby vs Robert Guei

Mahamat Deby led Chadian forces in a military campaign against the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) rebels, who had launched an offensive from Libya. The campaign resulted in the death of his father and the stabilization of the front.

Following the death of his father President Idriss Deby in battle, Mahamat Deby was appointed by a military council as the head of state. This transition was criticized as a dynastic succession and violated Chad's constitution.

Mahamat Deby extended the transitional period from 18 months to 24 months, delaying promised democratic elections. This decision was met with protests from opposition groups and civil society, who accused him of clinging to power.

General Robert Guei led a military coup on December 24, 1999, overthrowing President Henri Konan Bedie. Guei cited corruption and political instability as reasons, becoming the first military ruler of Cote d'Ivoire since independence.

Guei organized a presidential election in October 2000. When early results showed opposition candidate Laurent Gbagbo leading, Guei attempted to annul the vote and declare himself winner. Mass protests forced him to flee, and Gbagbo assumed power.

During the 2002 Ivorian Civil War, Guei was killed on September 19, 2002, in Abidjan. His death occurred amid a failed coup attempt against President Gbagbo. The circumstances remain disputed, with some reports suggesting he was executed by government forces.