The attackers, described by Chad’s foreign minister as disorganized, were subsequently neutralized by the presidential guard of the Sahelian and landlocked country in Central Africa, facing security challenges related to conflicts in neighboring countries.
In a Wednesday evening attack on Chad’s seat of power, 24 assailants stormed the presidential palace in the capital N’Djamena, stabbing four guards and leaving one dead and two critically injured.
The attack coincided with the official visit of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. A spokesperson for the Chinese delegation confirmed that the visit concluded without disruption.
According to Abderaman Koulamallah, Chad’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and government spokesperson, the group advanced toward the compound but was met with decisive force. Presidential guards opened fire, killing 18 of the assailants and capturing the remaining six.
An infographic titled “Assault on Chad’s presidential palace” created in Ankara, Turkiye on January 9, 2025. Gunmen launched an attack on the presidential palace in Chad’s capital N’Djamena, sparking a battle that left 18 attackers and one security personnel member dead and several others injured. (Photo by Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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“These are people who came from a certain neighborhood of N’Djamena that I will not name,” Koulamallah explained during a television interview. “They did not have war weapons. Their attempt was disorganized and completely incomprehensible. This is probably not a terrorist act.”
N’Djamena remained calm on Thursday morning, with military forces securing the area around the palace. Residents reported no further gunfire overnight, though some neighborhoods near the presidency were still blocked off.
The 18.3 million population country, led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby, continues to face security challenges, including insurgencies linked to groups such as Boko Haram.
Deby took power in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby, who ruled Chad for over three decades. Despite its oil wealth, the nation remains one of the poorest in Africa, grappling with ongoing instability.
Military authorities and the public prosecutor are expected to provide additional details as investigations unfold.
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