Attack on Chad's presidential palace leaves 19 dead

Attack on Chad's presidential palace leaves 19 dead

N'Djamena, Chad - An attack on Chad's presidential palace resulted in the killing of 18 attackers while six of them were arrested. There was also one dead soldier and three injured, state media reported on Thursday.

Attack details

The attack occurred on Wednesday evening while President Mahamat Déby Itno was in the palace. However, authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control.

Reactions of the authorities

Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah said in a live broadcast on Facebook, surrounded by soldiers in the seemingly calm presidential palace: "The situation is completely under control. There is no fear."

About the attackers

In an interview with state television, Koulamallah praised the vigilance of palace guards and described the attackers as disorganized and under the influence of alcohol and drugs. When asked if it was a terrorist attack, he replied that it was probably not the case as the attackers were local youths from the capital N'Djamena.

Political backgrounds

The incident occurred on the same day that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi congratulated Chad's President Déby Itno for restoring constitutional order. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, rumors spread online that the militant Islamist group Boko Haram was behind it.

Boko Haram and regional instability

Boko Haram has been leading a rebellion against Western education for over a decade and seeking the introduction of Islamic law in northeastern Nigeria. The conflict has spread to neighboring West African countries such as Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Political unrest in Chad

Chad, a country of almost 18 million people, has before and after one controversial presidential election, which led to Déby Itno's victory, suffered from political unrest. He ruled the country during the period of military rule that took place on the Death of his father followed in 2021, serving as interim president.