CHAD

At least five people were killed Tuesday in protests calling for a return to civilian rule. A Transitional Military Council has been governing Chad since President Idriss Déby died last week, according to official statements while fighting rebels. The Council, headed by Déby’s son Mahamat, named former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacké as interim premier. Opposition parties denounced a “military putsch”; the security forces intervened to repress the subsequent demonstrations. The unrest is likely to continue, says Crisis Group expert Richard Moncrieff, and authorities should exercise maximum restraint in their response. Meanwhile, they should swiftly prepare restoration of civilian government.

YEMEN

Huthi rebels pressed their advance on Marib, a city held by forces loyal to the internationally recognised government. Fighting over the past week reportedly left dozens dead on both sides. Crisis Group expert Peter Salisbury says the stakes of the Marib battle are high. Should they prevail, the Huthis would gain control of the government’s last major stronghold in northern Yemen and the province’s oil riches. They would thus deal a major blow to both the government and the prospects for national dialogue as the UN works to convene comprehensive peace talks.