Chad thwarts attack on presidential palace

The N’Djamena Prosecutor’s Office of Chad issued a notice on the 9th saying that the security forces thwarted an attack on the presidential palace in the capital N’Djamena on the evening of the 8th. The exchange of fire caused a total of 20 deaths, including 18 attackers and 2 soldiers.

The notice said that at around 19:45 local time on the 8th, 24 armed men took a car and pretended that the car broke down. They took the opportunity to attack the guards on duty in front of the gate of the presidential palace and attempted to break into the presidential palace. The exchange of fire caused the death of 2 soldiers, 5 soldiers were injured, 18 armed men were shot dead, and 6 armed men were injured.

The notice said that the crimes involved by the armed men included murder, intentional injury and assault, attempting to undermine the constitutional order, undermining state institutions and national security, conspiracy against the state and participating in rebellion. The notice also said that an investigation has been launched to arrest all instigators and co-perpetrators.

On the evening of the 8th, N’Djamena residents told Xinhua reporters that fierce gunfire was heard from the direction of the presidential palace at around 20:00.

Later, Chad’s Foreign Minister and government spokesman Kouramara released a video statement on social media saying that the situation was under control.

At around 23:40 on the 8th, Kouramara said in an interview with the national television that a 24-member armed group attacked the presidential palace that night, and 18 attackers and 1 Chadian soldier died in the exchange of fire. He said, “This armed group carried guns and knives, and the attackers drank alcohol and took drugs.” These attackers came from a district in N’Djamena and “may not be” terrorists.