Chad's Government Reports Calm After Capital Gunfire Incident

Authorities claim recent gunfire incidents near the presidential palace have been resolved, emphasizing security and stability.

The government of Chad has sought to reassure its citizens following reports of gunfire in the capital, N'Djamena, asserting that the situation remains stable. In a video reportedly filmed inside the presidential palace, Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah characterized the event as a "minor incident," emphasizing that "everything is calm" within the city's perimeters.

According to government insiders, clashes erupted between security forces and what were described as "terrorist elements." The French news agency AFP reported that 18 assailants and one member of the security forces were confirmed dead in the conflict.

In the aftermath of the violence, military tanks were deployed around the palace, and access to nearby roads was restricted. In the video shared on social media, Koulamallah is flanked by armed forces as he insists, "Nothing serious has happened." He reassured the public stating, "We are here and we will defend our country at the price of our blood. Be calm." The Foreign Minister portrayed the attempted destabilization as thwarted.

Koulamallah disclosed that the assault was executed by a commando unit comprising 24 members, with six attackers reported injured, while three government personnel also sustained injuries. This incident unfolded shortly after China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the former French territory, where he held discussions with President Mahamat Déby and other senior officials.