Chad's president declared a nationwide state of emergency, telling his citizens that tightened controls were needed to restore order after recent rebel attacks.
In a speech broadcast on national radio and television, President Idriss Deby said he had signed a decree that would increase the government's powers for 15 days, starting today, as allowed in Chad's constitution.
Mr Deby said the decree instituted "important and urgent measures to maintain order, guarantee stability and assure the good functioning of the state".
The text announced "a state of emergency throughout the territory of the Republic of Chad".
The declaration gives extra powers to regional governors to control the movement of people and vehicles, bans most meetings, allows the government to control what is published in the media, and institutes a midnight to 6am curfew.
"These are exceptional measures, but I must do this to assure the regular functioning of the state," Mr Deby said, calling on regional governors to "mobilise all their means — human and material — to help restore public order".