Chad’s presidential palace recently experienced a chilling assault during a significant diplomatic meeting that left the world watching and waiting for safety and order to return.
At a Glance
- An attack on Chad’s presidential palace resulted in 18 assailants dead, six captured, and one soldier killed.
- The assault coincided with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit.
- President Mahamat Deby Itno was inside the palace but unharmed.
- Authorities quickly regained control over the situation.
Violent Assault Amid Diplomatic Visit
The violent attack unfolded at the heart of Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, in a time of crucial diplomatic talks between President Mahamat Deby Itno and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The confrontation ended with 18 attackers dead and six taken into custody. A soldier guarding the palace lost his life, and three others sustained injuries.
Amid the chaos, authorities quickly brought the situation under control, with Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stating, “The situation is completely under control … the destabilisation attempt was put down.”
BREAKING: Heavy gunfire erupts at the presidential palace in Chad's capital – AFP
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 8, 2025
Implications Amidst Restored Leadership
This incident occurs just a short period after contentious elections aimed at reestablishing democratic governance. These elections were boycotted by major opposition parties, adding to the political instability. Despite this, President Mahamat Deby Itno continues to hold power as a strong military ruler.
International observers questioned the credibility of Chad’s elections, further scrutinizing Deby Itno’s interim reign since his father’s passing in 2021, who also ruled as a military strongman.
Doubts emerge over deadly incident at Chad's presidential palace | Africanews https://t.co/jpgG2Mcgyq
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International Dimensions and Reaction
China reaffirmed its support for Chad’s commitment to stability, during the state visit that coincided with this startling attack. Foreign interests are watching Chad closely as it ends defense agreements with France, reflecting a broader trend of military governments in the region distancing themselves from Paris
“There were 18 dead and six injured among the attackers and we suffered one death and three injured, one of them seriously” – Chad’s foreign minister and government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah
While initial reports speculated the involvement of Boko Haram, authorities later dismissed these claims, identifying the attackers as disorganized local youths acting under the influence. The region’s precarious political climate remains a subject of international concern and scrutiny.
Sources
1. Attack on Chad’s presidential palace leaves 19 dead
2. Attack on Chad’s presidential palace leaves 19 dead
