The Chadian government has assured that the situation in the capital, N’Djamena, is stable following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, speaking in a video filmed within the palace, described the incident as a “minor issue” and claimed “everything is calm.” According to government sources, security forces clashed with “terrorist elements,” resulting in the deaths of 18 attackers and one security officer.
The assault reportedly involved a 24-man commando unit, with six attackers and three security personnel injured. Tanks were deployed, and roads to the palace were sealed following the clash.
The attack occurred hours after a visit by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who met with President Mahamat Déby and other officials. Déby, installed by the military in 2021 after his father Idriss Déby’s death, leads a nation with a history of instability, including conflicts with Boko Haram.
Koulamallah, surrounded by soldiers in the video, insisted that the situation was under control and vowed to defend the country, calling the destabilisation attempt a failure.
