Gunmen Storm Chad’s Presidential Complex, Resulting in 19 Deaths
On the evening of January 8, 2025, an attack on Chad’s presidential palace in N’Djamena resulted in 19 fatalities, including 18 assailants and one presidential guard. The assailants, a disorganized group of 24 individuals armed with rudimentary weapons, attempted to breach the palace but were swiftly neutralized by security forces.
Chadian Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah described the attackers as local youths under the influence of alcohol and drugs, dismissing any links to terrorist organizations. He reassured the public that the situation was under control and there was no cause for fear.
The incident coincided with a visit from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had departed the palace prior to the attack. Despite initial rumors suggesting involvement of groups like Boko Haram, authorities clarified that terrorism was not suspected in this case.
This event adds to the recent political instability in Chad following a controversial presidential election that resulted in Mahamat Deby Itno’s victory, succeeding his father who died in 2021.
For more detailed coverage, you can watch the following news report: