Last night in N’Djamena, Chad, unrest occurred near the presidential palace. Gunfire was heard for several minutes, and heavily armed soldiers were observed.
Foreign Minister Koulamallah described an “attempted destabilization” that was thwarted by the military. According to him, military buildings near the palace were attacked by a group arriving in three vehicles.
Eighteen of the 24 armed attackers were killed, he informed AFP. The military reportedly suffered one casualty.
Koulamallah, seen in a video with a weapon at his side, stated the situation is “completely under control.” Recently, parliamentary elections were held in Chad. The government presented these as a significant step toward democracy; however, much of the opposition boycotted the vote.
Results have not yet been released. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, declared the winner of last year’s presidential election, which observers deemed unfair, assumed power following the death of his father in 2021 during clashes with rebels.
His father had been the authoritarian leader of the Sahel nation for over 30 years.
Source: NOS