Gunmen attempted to storm the presidential complex in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, on Wednesday, resulting in a deadly clash that left 19 people dead, including 18 attackers and one security personnel, the government confirmed.
The gunfire was heard by AFP reporters near the site, while tanks were seen on the streets. Security sources revealed that a commando unit, numbering 24 men, launched the assault on the complex.
By the end of the confrontation, 18 of the attackers were dead, and six others were wounded. The government reported one security personnel death, with three others injured, one critically.
In a video posted hours after the attack, government spokesman and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah reassured the public that the situation was under control, claiming the “destabilisation attempt was put down.”
He initially suggested the attackers might have been members of Boko Haram but later dismissed that theory, instead describing the group as “drunken crooks” who attacked four guards before being quickly subdued by presidential security forces.
He also noted that the assailants appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
Chad, which is under military rule, has faced consistent attacks from Boko Haram, particularly in the western Lake Chad region bordering Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger.
The country is also grappling with political instability following its decision to end a military accord with France and its involvement in the conflict in Sudan.
The attack occurred shortly after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and other officials inside the complex. Deby was reportedly present during the assault but was unharmed.
As the fighting unfolded, roads leading to the presidency were blocked, and armed police were seen across the city.
