Chad's Foreign Minister assures citizens of safety in N'Djamena, despite reports of gunfire and military action in the area. He claims a terrorist attack was thwarted, while the nation grapples with ongoing security issues and calls for political transition.
Chad's Government Downplays Capital Clashes Amid Security Concerns
Chad's Government Downplays Capital Clashes Amid Security Concerns
After gunfire near the presidential palace in N'Djamena, Chad's officials declare the situation stable following clashes with perceived terrorist elements.
The government of Chad has sought to reassure the public following reports of gunfire in the capital, N'Djamena, near the presidential palace. In a video message recorded inside the palace complex, Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah described the situation as under control, characterizing the incident as a "little incident" and emphasizing that "everything is calm."
According to government sources, the clash involved security forces combating what were described as "terrorist elements." News agency AFP reported that at least 18 assailants were killed, along with a member of the security forces. Chad, a landlocked nation in northern-central Africa, has faced ongoing instability since gaining independence from France in 1960, with recent conflicts notably involving Boko Haram.
The current administration, led by President Mahamat Déby following a military coup in 2021 after his father's death, is navigating a challenging political landscape. Following the conflict on Wednesday, tanks took positions within the area, and access roads to the palace were barricaded.
In the video posted to social media, Koulamallah was seen standing with government forces, confidently asserting, "Nothing serious has happened." He expressed determination to defend the nation, stating, "This whole attempt at destabilisation has been thwarted." Reports suggest that the assailants, comprised of a commando unit of 24 individuals, faced significant resistance, resulting in injuries to six attackers and three security personnel.
This security incident occurred shortly after China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, visited Chad for discussions with President Déby and other officials. The regional security climate remains precarious, as Chad is situated within what has been termed the Coup Belt, a region of Africa experiencing a wave of military coups since 2020.
Last month, Chad held parliamentary elections touted by the government as a step towards civilian governance. However, opposition groups called for a boycott, citing concerns over electoral integrity. This comes in the wake of Chad's recent termination of its military cooperation agreement with France, which Koulamallah suggested would better position Chad to assert its sovereignty.
