In a shocking incident on January 8, 2024, gunfire erupted at Chad's presidential palace in N'Djamena, leading to a fierce battle that left 19 people dead, including 18 suspected attackers and one security personnel. The assault came shortly after a meeting between China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and government officials, including President Mahamat Idriss Deby. Eyewitnesses reported heavy gunfire and the sight of military tanks deployed throughout the city, with security sources confirming that the assailants attempted to storm the presidential complex.

The government spokesperson, Abderaman Koulamallah, stated that the attackers, identified as part of a commando unit, were engaged and overpowered by the presidential guard. "There were 18 dead and six injured among the attackers, while we suffered one death and three injuries, one serious," Koulamallah remarked in a Facebook video where he declared that the situation was "completely under control" following the thwarted attack. Echoing this sentiment, he indicated that the assailants were not organized terrorists, but likely "drunken" individuals, a comment that was met with skepticism by local analysts (Al Jazeera).

This incident unfolded less than two weeks after Chad's contentious general elections, which were marred by low turnout and allegations of fraud from opposition groups. Despite these tensions, the government has portrayed the elections as a step towards restoring civilian rule and consolidating Deby's presidency, which was established following the death of his father, the long-serving Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021 (SCMP). The political atmosphere in Chad remains precarious, with many citizens questioning the legitimacy of the current administration and voicing concerns over declining security.

As part of its ongoing defense strategy, Chad's government recently expelled French troops, which had been a significant foreign military presence in the Sahel region. This decision has raised alarms over a potential security vacuum. Analysts suggest that with the withdrawal of 1,000 French military personnel, this could embolden armed groups, potentially leading to increased violence in the already troubled country (Al Jazeera). Experts are also speculating on whether this attack could be linked to the Islamist group Boko Haram, which has a history of launching assaults along the northern border, although Koulamallah dismissed this theory, suggesting the situation is less organized than it may seem.

The Chadian government remains focused on quelling rebellions and maintaining control amid growing instability. The military has begun investigations and reports indicate that six individuals have been detained in connection with the attack. Looking ahead, Chad's security challenges appear significant, especially with new geopolitical alignments and economic uncertainties as the nation navigates its path forward (Al Jazeera, SCMP, Le Monde).