Idris Deby: An African strong man taken out by the bullet

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe (3rd L) talks to Chad's President Idriss Deby (2nd R) after the opening ceremony of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, January 30, 2016. Looking on is Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the African Union Commission. [REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri]

Long after the guns have gone silent, the victors have claimed their spoils and occupied top offices in government, war veterans become liberators.

Africa is littered with freedom fighters who rode to power and on the crest of their military guerilla exploits overstayed their welcome, ultimately becoming a burden to the millions who once idolised them.