By MUHAMMED DAMBABA
Attack on N’Djamena’s Presidential Compound Sparks Chaos
In a bold and violent assault on Chad’s presidential complex in the capital, N’Djamena, gunmen attempted to breach the site on Wednesday evening, leading to a fierce clash that resulted in 19 deaths, including one security personnel.
Details of the Attack
- The assault began at approximately 7:45 PM local time, with the attackers targeting guards before infiltrating the complex.
- Government spokesman and Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah reported that the attackers were a 24-strong commando unit, with 18 killed and six injured during the battle.
- Security forces suffered one fatality and three injuries, one of which was severe.
Koulamallah later stated that the situation was “completely under control” and described the assailants as “completely drugged.”
Identity of the Assailants
Initial reports suggested a possible link to the Boko Haram jihadist group, which frequently launches attacks in Chad’s western Lake Chad region. However, Koulamallah refuted this claim, instead labeling the attackers as drunken “Pieds Nickeles” — a reference to bumbling crooks in French comics.
Security Measures and Diplomatic Context
- Roads leading to the presidency were blocked as tanks and armed personnel secured the area.
- The attack coincided with a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who met President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno hours before the assault.
- President Deby was in the complex at the time but remained unharmed.
Regional Instability and Political Landscape
Chad remains under military rule, with frequent violence from groups like Boko Haram. The nation recently ended its military cooperation with France, citing “obsolete” agreements.
The attack follows contested elections marred by allegations of fraud and low voter turnout, leaving the president’s allies dominant in the government. President Deby, who took power after the death of his father in 2021, has sought to solidify his rule through army reshuffles and diplomatic overtures to nations like Russia and Hungary.
