Old rocket blamed for Chad blast

Rebels attacked N'Djamena in February

An explosion in the central market in Chad's capital N'Djamena has killed seven people and injured 10 others, the interior minister has said.

The market was the scene of heavy fighting during a February attack by rebels seeking to oust the president.

Interior Minister Ahamat Mahamat Beshir told AFP news agency the explosion was caused by a rocket that "was certainly one abandoned by the rebels".

Police are investigating whether unexploded munitions were to blame.

Mr Deby has blamed neighbouring Sudan for supporting the two-day Chadian rebel attempt on the palace of President Idriss Deby in February.

Sudan in turn accuses Chad of backing and harbouring Sudanese rebels in Darfur.