The Chadian government plays down gunshots in the capital
The Chadian government has assured that the situation in the capital, N’Djamena, is under control following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah appeared in a video, seemingly filmed within the palace grounds, confirming that there had been a “small incident” but emphasizing that “everything is calm.”
Sources close to the government suggested that the violence was a result of clashes between security forces and “terrorist elements.”
According to AFP, Koulamallah reported that 18 attackers and one security personnel had been killed.
Chad, a landlocked country in north-central Africa, has faced recurring instability since its independence from France in 1960, including recent conflicts with the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
The country is led by President Mahamat Déby, who assumed power in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Déby, during a battle with rebel forces, following a 30-year reign.
After the altercation on Wednesday, tanks were observed in the vicinity, and all roads leading to the palace were blocked, according to AFP.
In the video, posted to Facebook, Koulamallah is seen surrounded by members of the government forces.
“Nothing serious has happened,” he says.
“We are here and we will defend our country at the price of our blood. Be calm.
“This whole attempt at destabilisation has been thwarted.”
He is then seen taking photos and raising his fist with the soldiers.
Koulamallah was quoted by AFP as saying the assault had been launched by a 24-man commando unit, adding that six of the attackers had suffered injuries.
A further three members of the government forces also suffered injuries, he added.
The incident came just hours after a visit to the former French territory by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who met Déby and other senior officials.
