The presidential complex in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, was attacked by gunmen on Wednesday evening which resulted in 19 deaths, including 18 attackers and one member of the presidential guard, the government confirmed.
The clash left several injured on both sides and left one guard in critical condition.
The incident unfolded around 7:45 pm local time when armed men stormed the presidential premises. Security forces responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers. According to a report by the Associated Press, roads leading to the complex were immediately blocked, with tanks deployed on the streets. Civilians fled the area, with police setting up checkpoints across the city centre.
According to government spokesperson and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, the situation is now “completely under control.” In a video flanked by soldiers, he assured citizens that the attempted destabilisation had been thwarted.
The attack follows a contentious general election held less than two weeks earlier. While the government described the polls as a milestone towards civilian rule, opposition groups alleged widespread fraud and voter suppression.
Chad, a landlocked country in northern Africa, is under military rule and frequently faces attacks from the jihadist group Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.
It has recently ended a military accord with former colonial power France and has faced accusations that it was interfering in the conflict ravaging neighbouring Sudan. It joined a growing trend of Sahel nations distancing themselves from their former colonial power.
