Scuffles in Chad capital as opposition leader summonsed

Police in the Chadian capital N'Djamena fired tear gas to disperse supporters of a leading critic of the country's ruling junta as he was summoned for questioning following clashes last week.

Success Masra, president of a party called The Transformers, was surrounded by hundreds of supporters as his car headed for the meeting with public prosecutors.

Police fired tear gas to break up the crowd, and the car turned around and headed back to the party's headquarters.

On Twitter, Masra accused the police of "attacking us and firing live rounds as the people came out to accompany us. The world is witness. They want to stop the dialogue of the people through violence."

The confrontation came on the heels of a crackdown on Transformers activists last week as they planned to stage an unauthorised rally.

Around 200 were arrested and held for several days before being released, while the security forces surrounded the party's headquarters, which also doubles as Masra's home, before lifting the siege.

The junta has suspended the constitution and dissolved civilian government but vowed to hold "free and democratic elections" within 18 months.

Analysts say there is scant chance of holding elections within the 18-month timeframe, and point to an option previously announced by Deby under which the vote could be delayed by a further 18 months "if the Chadians fail to reach agreement."