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A bold attack on Chad's presidential palace on Wednesday night left 18 assailants dead and six in custody, state media reported. President Mahamat Deby Itno was inside the palace at the time, but authorities quickly declared the situation under control.
Chadian Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah praised the vigilance of palace guards, describing the attackers as disorganized and reportedly under the influence of drugs and alcohol. "The situation is completely under control. There is no fear," Koulamallah reassured citizens during a live broadcast from the palace.
Initial rumors speculated a connection to Boko Haram, an extremist group with a history of insurgency in the region. However, authorities dismissed the notion, stating the attackers were local youths from the capital, N'Djamena.
This attack coincided with a high-profile visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had earlier commended Deby Itno on restoring constitutional order. The assault highlights Chad's ongoing political challenges following Deby Itno's controversial election victory after the death of his father in 2021.
While the attack raised security concerns, Koulamallah emphasized the resilience of Chad's leadership, stating, "Our focus remains on uniting the country and overcoming these challenges."
