Tensions Soar in N’Djamena as Presidential Palace Comes Under Attack
N’DJAMENA, CHAD| The capital of Chad was plunged into chaos on Wednesday evening as heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace.
Unidentified militants launched an attack on the heavily guarded government building, prompting swift military intervention and heightening fears of instability in the Sahel nation.
Tanks Deployed as Streets Go Silent
Eyewitnesses reported seeing tanks and armored vehicles deployed throughout N’Djamena late Wednesday night.
Roads leading to the presidency were swiftly cordoned off as soldiers took control of key points around the city.
Heavy gunfire was heard in the vicinity of the palace, creating an atmosphere of panic among residents.
The attack followed earlier diplomatic meetings between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chadian President Mahamat Deby.
The two leaders had discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation between China and Chad.
Government Downplays Attack
In an attempt to calm the nation, Chadian government spokesman Aziz Mahamat Saleh addressed citizens via social media, urging them not to panic.
“Nothing serious, don’t panic, the situation is under control,” he stated on Facebook, without providing further specifics about the attackers or their motives.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah later revealed that 18 attackers had been killed and six others wounded during the military response.
“We suffered one death and three injuries on our side,” he added, assuring the public that the “destabilization attempt was put down.”
Who Are the Attackers?
As of now, the identity and affiliations of the attackers remain unclear. Security analysts speculate that the assault could be tied to lingering insurgencies or criminal elements that have exploited instability in Chad and the broader Sahel region.
Chad, like its neighbors, faces persistent threats from militant groups operating in the region, many of which are linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.
The flow of weapons from Libya, following the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of Muammar Gaddafi, has exacerbated security challenges across the Sahel.
A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
The attack comes at a time of strained relations between Chad and its former colonial ruler, France.
In November, Chad ended a longstanding security pact with Paris, mirroring moves by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
French forces, previously stationed in the region to combat terrorism, are in the process of withdrawing.
Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron accused former African colonies of failing to appreciate France’s military interventions over the past decade.
“None of them would have a sovereign state if the French army had not deployed in this region,” Macron said, lamenting what he described as a lack of gratitude.
Chad, however, has sought to diversify its partnerships. In recent years, it has turned to countries like Russia and China for security and economic cooperation, signaling a shift away from traditional alliances with Western powers.
China’s Growing Influence in Chad
The timing of the attack has drawn attention due to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to N’Djamena earlier in the day.
Wang’s visit aimed to bolster Sino-Chadian ties and expand cooperation in infrastructure and trade.
While no evidence currently links the attack to Wang’s visit, the incident underscores the volatile security environment in which such diplomatic engagements occur.
Long-Standing Instability in Chad
Chad has faced decades of internal conflict, including a recent coup in April 2021, when President Mahamat Deby seized power following the death of his father, Idriss Deby, in a battle against rebels.
The younger Deby has faced criticism for delaying a return to civilian rule, fueling tensions within the country.
Regional Implications
The attack highlights the fragile state of security across the Sahel, a region plagued by terrorism, coups, and foreign intervention.
As Chad grapples with this latest challenge, its response could have far-reaching implications for stability in Central Africa and its relationships with global powers.
For now, the streets of N’Djamena remain tense but calm as residents await further updates from the government.
Meanwhile, questions linger about the motives behind the attack and the broader implications for Chad’s fragile political landscape.
