On January 9, 2025, an attempted assault on Chad’s presidential complex in N’Djamena resulted in 19 deaths, according to government officials.
The gunmen attempted to storm the heavily fortified area, triggering a violent clash that left 18 attackers and one security personnel member dead.
Security forces reported heavy gunfire and saw military tanks deployed around the site. The attackers, who attempted to overrun the complex, were confronted by the presidential guard.
Government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah confirmed the incident, saying the assailants were “overpowered” and “drugged,” while downplaying claims that Boko Haram jihadists were behind the assault.
This attack follows a series of escalating security concerns in Chad, particularly in the Lake Chad region, which borders Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.
Chad is facing ongoing threats from extremist groups, including Boko Haram. Despite this, Koulamallah stated that the situation was now “under control.”
The assailants were believed to be armed members of a 24-man commando unit. They managed to breach the compound but were quickly neutralized by presidential guards.
Security forces reported casualties among the attackers, including six injuries, while one of their own personnel was killed and three others injured, one severely.
Chad, a landlocked country under military rule, has been in the spotlight after its recent severance of military agreements with France, the former colonial power.
The move has been controversial, especially after France withdrew its troops from several Sahelian countries due to tensions with local military juntas.
The Rise of Chad’s Military Tensions: A New Chapter for Africa’s Sahel Region
The attack comes just weeks after Chad held a contentious general election, aimed at ending military rule. Opposition parties accused the election of being fraudulent, and voter turnout was low, creating tensions within the country.
This political instability further fueled concerns over the military’s grip on power, following the death of longtime leader Idriss Deby, who had been in power for over three decades.
Chad’s military has also been involved in diplomatic moves, seeking strategic partnerships with countries such as Russia and Hungary. These shifts could have major implications for regional security.
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For more news updates on Chad’s political and security situation, follow our articles on the latest developments and how they impact the region.
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