They were supported by the Central African Republic, who offered them sanctuary in its borders. Habré at first attempted negotiations, making Defence minister a former leader of the codos; but when discussions broke down, the President resorted, in August 1984, to force and wide-scale fighting erupted in four of the five southern Prefectures, counting now on the support of the Central African President André Kolingba.
The rebels were aided by the Central African Republic, which provided them sanctuary within its borders. Habré initially attempted negotiations with a former leader of the codos as defense minister; however, when negotiations failed, the president resorted to force and fighting broke out in four out of five southern prefectures, relying on the support of the Central African President André Kolingba.