Africa Chadian government: destabilization attempt foiled
The government of the Central African country of Chad says it has thwarted an attempt to destabilize the country.
09.01.2025, 13:52
SDA
According to Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, who is also government spokesman, 24 gunmen are said to have broken into the presidential palace in the capital N'Djamena. 18 of the attackers were killed and the others arrested, he said on television.
One security guard was killed and three others were injured. Shortly after the shooting, which could also be heard on videos shared on social media, Koulamallah declared in a video at the presidential palace that the situation was under control after a "minor incident" and "attempt at destabilization".
Terrorist background open
The background of the attackers is not known. Near the capital N'Djamena, Chad's army is fighting against the Islamist militias Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, which are in the border area with Nigeria around Lake Chad. Other rebel groups are also active in the country.
Koulamallah said he did not believe it was an act of terrorism. According to him, the attackers came from N'Djamena, had no weapons of war, attacked haphazardly and were carrying small bottles of alcohol "and a few drugs".
Important partner state of the West in a difficult situation
Chad, which borders Niger, is located inside the Sahel region on the southern edge of the Sahara in the middle of several conflict states. For the West, the country is an important partner in the reception of refugees from Sudan and in the fight against Islamist terrorists.
Since 2021, the country has been ruled by military commander Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who took power after the death of his father, long-term ruler Idriss Déby.
Since independence from France in 1960, there have been repeated periods of instability. The French military has prevented rebel attacks on the capital several times in the past. France is currently withdrawing its soldiers stationed in the country after Chad terminated the military agreement with the former colonial power.
