An armed attack targeting the presidential palace in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, caused panic on Wednesday evening. Heavy gunfire erupted around 7:45 p.m. local time (6:45 p.m. GMT), with tanks deployed and roads leading to the palace blocked.
Foreign Minister and government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah addressed the nation from the presidential palace, surrounded by soldiers. He described the incident as an attempted destabilisation that had been eradicated and said the situation was under control.
I am currently at the presidency of the Republic, where the situation is completely under control. There is no fear; there is nothing serious. […] All this attempt at destabilisation has been eradicated, he said.
However, the government has not disclosed the attackers’ details or motives, leaving room for speculation.
Gunfire continued until 8:45 p.m. (7:45 p.m. GMT), according to a report by ActuNiger. No official information about casualties or damage has been released. Streets in the capital, usually busy at that hour, were quiet as military patrols took over.
The incident occurred hours after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded an official visit to Chad, where he met President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno at the presidential palace. Authorities have not suggested any connection between the visit and the attack.
The government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and promised enhanced security measures. An investigation is underway to identify the attackers and determine their motives.
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