Chad Military Foils Attack on Presidential Complex, 19 Dead

Thursday 09 January 2025 - 10:04

Security forces in Chad have reported thwarting an attempted assault on the presidential complex in the capital, N’Djamena, leading to the deaths of at least 19 people. The government stated that a group of armed attackers, numbering 24, tried to storm the president’s office on Wednesday evening. In the ensuing gunfight, 18 attackers were killed, and six others were injured, while one security force member also lost their life. Three others from the security team sustained injuries, one critically.

Chad’s Foreign Minister and government spokesman, Abderaman Koulamallah, confirmed the attack and declared that the situation was under control. He emphasized that the destabilization attempt had been successfully suppressed. The attack coincided with an official visit from China’s Foreign Minister, who had met with Chad’s President prior to the incident. President Mahamat Idriss Deby was reportedly at the complex during the attack.

The assailants were initially reported to be affiliated with the Boko Haram group, but later statements suggested they were more likely disorganized individuals, described by Koulamallah as "drunken crooks." Security sources indicated the attack could have been an attempt by terrorists to target the presidential office.

This event follows a controversial general election in Chad, where the government claimed progress toward ending military rule, though opposition parties raised concerns about voter turnout and allegations of fraud. The country, which is rich in oil but one of Africa's poorest, has recently severed its defense and security agreements with France, marking a significant shift in its foreign relations.