Chadian authorities are investigating a failed attack on the presidential palace in N’Djamena, which occurred late Wednesday night. The assault involved 24 heavily armed assailants and was thwarted by government troops, officials reported.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who was inside the palace at the time, was unharmed and remains in good health, authorities confirmed.
Eighteen attackers were killed during the confrontation, and the body of one was discovered on the streets of the capital Thursday morning. One member of the presidential guard lost their life, and two others sustained injuries, according to military sources.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah announced that approximately 10 suspects have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. While the motive for the attack remains unclear, Koulamallah stated it was unrelated to the earlier visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had met with President Deby to discuss bolstering economic and military cooperation.
The assault comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Chad and France. Hours before the attack, Chad’s government reaffirmed its directive for French troops stationed in the country to withdraw by January 31. This reiteration followed remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron, who accused African nations of showing ingratitude for France’s support in countering jihadist insurgencies.
In response, President Deby declared that Chad derives little benefit from its military agreements with Paris, emphasizing that the withdrawal order was final and non-negotiable.
The incident has raised questions about potential links between the escalating political tensions and the attempted attack. Chadian security forces remain on high alert, with heavy deployments across the capital as the investigation unfolds.
