There are rumours that it was his African neighbours who wanted him locked up.
The foreign relations of Guinea, including those with its West African neighbors, have improved steadily since 1985.
They want American troops - not just African neighbors - on the ground to ensure even-handedness.
Tales repeated by African neighbors have also enhanced his repertory.
In part, that is because Chad's African neighbors increasingly have their sights focused elsewhere.
They don't share the prejudices of some of their white African neighbors.
All the while he goaded his North African neighbors and fluxed the military with rumors of war.
Zimbabwe's African neighbors remain reluctant to criticize the election.
Sure, Ghana is one of our West African neighbors, but the country just seems so different.
Cameroon enjoys generally good relations with its African neighbors.