Mourners hold protester funerals in Chad's tense capital

Hundreds of mourners have gathered in Chad's capital to bury some protesters killed this week during anti-government demonstrations

N'DJAMENA, Chad -- Hundreds of chanting mourners carrying Chadian flags gathered Saturday to bury some victims who shot dead this week during demonstrations against the country's new military government, the first change in leadership in this central African nation in more than three decades. The outpouring of grief in the capital of N'Djamena came as authorities put down another anti-government demonstration in southern Chad and as the country's new prime minister urged calm amid calls for more protests. The crowds of mourners arrived by minibus and motorcycle taxis under a scorching sun at midday, as military and police vehicles lined the road to the cemetery's entrance. Family members wailed as Yannick Djikoloum's flag-draped casket was lowered into the ground. “The history of great men is written in blood. The victory of the Chadian people is in hand,” read a sign held by one mourner.