Attack on Chad’s Presidential Complex Foiled, 19 Killed in Gunfight

At least 19 people have died following an attempted assault on Chad’s presidential complex in N'Djamena on Wednesday evening.

Security forces reported that they thwarted the attack, which left 18 out of 24 attackers dead, with six others injured. Additionally, one member of Chad’s security forces was killed, and three others were injured, one critically, during the gun battle. Residents near the scene reported hearing loud gunfire during the attack.

Chad’s foreign minister and government spokesman, Abderaman Koulamallah, confirmed the death toll and later clarified they were likely not Boko Haram rebels. He referred to them as "Pieds Nickeles," a term referencing hapless French comic crooks.

Shortly after the shooting, Koulamallah appeared in a video on Facebook, flanked by soldiers and carrying a gun on his belt, stating, "The situation is completely under control … the destabilisation attempt was put down."

According to security sources, the attackers used three vehicles in a failed attempt to target military camps surrounding the presidential office, but they were neutralized by the army.

Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby was in the presidential complex at the time of the attack. Deby took power in 2021 after his father, longtime President Idriss Deby, was killed by rebels.

This attack follows a contested general election in Chad, which took place less than two weeks ago. While the government hailed the election as a step toward ending military rule, opposition groups claimed widespread fraud and low voter turnout.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi Met Deby Hours Before the Attacks

Hours before the shooting, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Deby and other senior officials. Wang emphasized China’s commitment to promoting the all-round development of the China-Chad strategic partnership. This year marks the start of implementing outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. China said it is ready to work with Chad on advancing modernization efforts and executing the 10 partnership action plans. Wang highlighted the importance of multilateralism, opposing hegemony, and safeguarding developing countries’ interests.

Withdrawal of French Troops from Chad

Chad, a former French colony, rich in oil resources yet one of Africa's poorest nations, hosted France's last military bases in the Sahel region. However, in late November, it terminated defense and security agreements with Paris, deeming them "obsolete." Around 1,000 French military personnel stationed in the country are being withdrawn. This move follows France's expulsion from three Sahelian nations under military governments opposed to Paris: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Senegal and Ivory Coast have also requested the removal of French military bases from their territories.

Chad and Senegal responded on Tuesday to comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said African countries in the Sahel had "forgotten to say thank you" for France's help in combating jihadist insurgencies. Koulamallah highlighted the "key role" Africa and Chad played in liberating France during both world wars, a contribution he claimed has never been fully acknowledged by France.