In N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, a violent clash left at least 19 people dead as security forces thwarted an armed attack on the presidential complex.
According to government reports, 18 of the 24 attackers were killed during Wednesday evening’s raid, while one security officer also lost his life in the confrontation.
Chad’s foreign minister and government spokesperson, Abderaman Koulamallah, assured the public that the president was safe, and the situation was under control. Residents near the presidential compound described hearing sustained gunfire for several minutes. 
Koulamallah revealed that “eighteen attackers were killed, six were injured, and we suffered one fatality alongside three injuries, one of which is critical.” Appearing in a video shortly after the attack, flanked by soldiers and holding a firearm, Koulamallah declared, “The situation is entirely under control… the attempt to destabilize has been thwarted.”
The assault coincided with the official visit of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had earlier met with President Mahamat Idriss Deby and senior officials. Koulamallah confirmed that President Deby was present in the presidential complex during the attack.
Local resident Zakaria Daoud voiced concerns over the region’s persistent instability, particularly in a country with a history of coups. Video footage from the scene showed military vehicles and heavily armed troops patrolling near the presidential palace.
Koulamallah, addressing the nation in a live Facebook broadcast alongside soldiers, reaffirmed, “The situation is completely under control. There is no cause for fear.”
This attack comes a week after Chad held parliamentary elections aimed at restoring democracy. However, the elections were boycotted by major opposition parties, and the results remain pending. Analysts believe the election outcome may bolster President Deby’s grip on power.
President Mahamat Deby Itno assumed leadership as a military head following his father’s death during a conflict with rebels in 2021. His election as president last year faced criticism, with international observers questioning its credibility.
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