January 8, 2025 | N’Djamena, Chad – In a dramatic turn of events, Chadian security forces successfully repelled an armed assault on the presidential complex in the capital, N’Djamena, leaving 19 people dead, including 18 attackers and one member of the security forces.
The attack, which took place on the evening of January 7, targeted the heart of Chad’s government, just hours after a high-profile visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. While President Mahamat Idriss Deby was reportedly inside the presidential complex during the assault, he was unharmed.
According to government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah, 24 armed assailants attempted to breach military camps surrounding the president’s office. The swift response from Chadian troops neutralized the attackers, who were described as “probably not” rebels, but instead referred to as “drunken crooks” by the government. Sources, however, have raised concerns that the attack could be linked to terrorist groups.
The attack occurred on the heels of Chad’s contested general election, which had already heightened tensions in the country. The election, widely seen as a key moment in Chad’s transition from military to civilian rule, was marred by allegations of voter fraud and low voter turnout. The timing of the assault raises questions about the stability of Chad’s new leadership and its ability to navigate rising political tensions. 
In a show of solidarity, China’s foreign ministry condemned the attack and reaffirmed its support for Chad’s stability. Just hours before the assault, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had met with President Deby and other senior officials to discuss economic cooperation and security matters.
The attack highlights Chad’s ongoing security challenges, with the government recently ending defense agreements with France and expelling military personnel. The shift in foreign relations, marked by growing hostility toward France, adds a new layer of complexity to Chad’s fragile security landscape.
As investigations into the assault continue, the world watches closely as Chad confronts both internal political strife and external threats, with its future uncertain amid ongoing instability.
Stay tuned for more updates.
