Assault on Chad’s presidential palace results in 19 fatalities

N’DJAMENA, Chad — An assault on the presidential palace in Chad resulted in the deaths of 18 assailants, with six others taken into custody. Additionally, one soldier lost his life, and three others were injured, according to reports from state media on Thursday.

The incident took place late Wednesday night, coinciding with the presence of President Mahamat Deby Itno within the palace; however, officials stated that the situation was promptly controlled. “Everything is completely under control. There is no cause for alarm,” declared Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah during a live Facebook session, set against a backdrop of calm within the palace and flanked by armed soldiers.

In a subsequent interview with state television, Koulamallah commended the vigilance displayed by the guards on duty, characterizing the assailants as poorly organized and under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. When questioned about the potential link to terrorism, he suggested that it was unlikely, noting that the attackers were local youths from the capital, N’Djamena.

The assault coincided with the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had come to congratulate Deby Itno on reinstating constitutional order. Following the attack, unverified claims began circulating on social media that suggested the involvement of the militant group Boko Haram in the incident.

Boko Haram has been engaged in a violent insurgency for over ten years, primarily aimed at opposing Western education while attempting to impose Islamic law in northeastern Nigeria. Its conflict has also extended into neighboring regions, affecting countries like Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Chad, home to nearly 18 million people, has been grappling with significant political instability both prior to and following a contentious presidential election that confirmed Deby Itno’s leadership. He assumed power as interim president during a military-led transitional period following his father’s death in 2021, and the nation continues to navigate its complex political landscape.