N’DJAMENA, Chad - An attack on Chad's presidential palace resulted in the deaths of 18 assailants and left six others in custody. The incident, which took place on Wednesday night, also claimed the life of one soldier, with three others sustaining injuries. State media provided the latest updates on the aftermath of the assault.
The attack occurred while Chadian President Mahamat Deby Itno was present in the palace. Authorities reported that the situation was swiftly brought under control, alleviating concerns about ongoing violence. Abderaman Koulamallah, the Foreign Affairs Minister, appeared in a live broadcast on Facebook, surrounded by soldiers, assuring the public that "The situation is completely under control. There is no fear," as he spoke from what seemed to be a calm presidential palace on Wednesday night.
This aggressive event coincided with the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who congratulated President Deby Itno on efforts to reestablish constitutional order in Chad. The timing of the attack raises questions about the stability of the current government, especially considering the recent parliamentary elections held in the country.
About a week prior to the attack, Chad conducted parliamentary elections that were intended to facilitate a return to democratic governance. However, the main opposition party boycotted the elections, leading analysts to speculate that the results would further solidify Deby Itno's hold on power. The announcement of election results has yet to occur, leaving uncertainty about the political landscape in Chad.
President Mahamat Deby Itno, who assumed power as a military leader following the death of his father—who ruled for three decades—was thrust into a position of authority during a turbulent period in Chad's political history. His father was killed in 2021 while combating rebel forces. Last year, Mahamat Deby Itno won a presidential election; however, international observers have deemed the electoral process as lacking credibility.
The ongoing instability in the region, highlighted by this latest attack, poses significant challenges for the government as it seeks to navigate the complexities of governance and security in Chad. With recent developments shaking the confidence of the citizens and the international community, the government’s response and capacity to maintain order will be closely scrutinized in the coming days.
This incident underscores the precarious nature of Chad's political environment and the potential ramifications for President Deby Itno’s administration. As the situation unfolds, the broader implications for democracy and governance in Chad remain a critical area of concern.
