19 Killed in Attack on Chad’s Presidential Complex, Situation Under Control
A violent confrontation in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, left at least 19 people dead after security forces thwarted an attempted attack on the presidential complex. The clash occurred on Wednesday evening when armed fighters tried to storm President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s office.
Chad’s government confirmed that 18 of the 24 attackers were killed during the failed raid, with one security officer also losing his life. The attack triggered intense gunfire near the presidential palace, leaving residents alarmed.
Foreign Minister and government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah reassured the public in a televised address, stating, “The situation is entirely under control… the attempt to destabilize has been thwarted.” He also confirmed that President Deby was present in the complex during the attack but was unharmed.
The attack coincided with an official visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had earlier met with President Deby and senior officials. Heavily armed troops and military vehicles were later seen patrolling the streets around the presidential compound.
This incident comes just a week after Chad’s parliamentary elections, boycotted by opposition parties. Analysts suggest the election results could bolster President Deby’s power, despite criticisms of the vote’s credibility. Deby, who assumed leadership following his father’s death in 2021, was elected president last year amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud.