In March 2019 Chadian President Idriss Déby announced that the border would close, citing the crossing of the frontier by Libyan-based anti-government rebel groups into Chadian territory (most notably the Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic; French: Conseil de commandement militaire pour le salut de la République, abbreviated CCMSR) and the continuing instability caused by the civil war in Libya.[14] As part of Operation Barkhane France has provided assistance to the Chadian Army with guarding the border, including launching air strikes against anti-government rebels.[15][16]