Chad Update 04:00pm (N'Djamena time)

Eyewitness reports that the rebels have been pushed back, the sound of gunfire has been moving away from the presidential palace, and the meridian hotel where many expats and Chadians are sheltering. There were also reports of French helicopters flying over the presidential palace, together with Chadian helicopters. The president earlier refused a French offer to take him out of the capital.

Update: BBC is reporting that French troops have take some of their combat planes out of the country, which explains the French helicopters seen flying over N'Djamena.

Chad Update 11:30 (N'Djamena time)

There are reports the French have offered the president to take him out of the country but he refused. He remains in the presidential palace. There is now fresh fighting in the capital despite a Libyan brokered ceasefire. There are also reports that governments are retreating, that's yet to be confirmed.