Chad Repels Attack on Presidential Palace After Chinese FM Visit; 19 Dead

Jan 9, 2025, 03:49 AM

On the evening of January 8, 2025, heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. A group of 24 armed men attempted to storm the presidential complex shortly after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. Security forces repelled the attack, resulting in the deaths of 18 assailants and one member of the security personnel, while six attackers were arrested. The President was reportedly inside the palace at the time but was unharmed. Government officials declared the situation under control, describing the incident as a 'failed attempt to destabilize' the country by a disorganized and possibly intoxicated group. They denied any links to Boko Haram or a terrorist attack. An investigation has been launched to identify the attackers.