An armed attack on Chad’s presidential complex has raised alarm and sparked fears of a potential coup attempt.
- Armed attack at Chad’s presidential complex sparked fears of a potential coup attempt
- 19 people were killed in the fighting, with 18 being members of the terrorist gang
- Chad has been ruled by the Deby family for over 30 years, with a dynastic succession sparking criticism from opposition groups
The assault, which occurred recently, has heightened tensions in Chad and is being closely monitored as authorities investigate the motives behind the attack.
The incident occurred just hours after the Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit.
According to The Africa Report, Chadian leader Deby was in the presidential complex at the time of the attack
This incident marks a significant development in Chad’s political landscape, where instability and power struggles have often been a concern.
Chad downplays attack
According to a statement issued by the Chadian government, 19 people were killed in the fighting, of which 18 were members of the terrorist gang that launched the assault.
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“There were 18 dead and six injured” among the attackers “and we suffered one death and three injured, one of them seriously”, Chadian Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah told AFP.
A few hours after the shooting, Koulamallah appeared in a video posted to Facebook, surrounded by soldiers, saying “The situation is completely under control… the destabilization attempt was put down”.
Koulamallah described the attackers as disorganized and under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
When questioned about the nature of the attack, Koulamallah suggested that it was unlikely an act of terrorism, citing the attackers’ local origins and lack of sophistication.
This incident comes on the heels of Chad’s recent general election, which was a crucial step towards transitioning from military rule. However, the election was marred by low voter turnout and allegations of fraud from opposition groups.
Deby family’s hold on Chad
Chad has been ruled by the late Idriss Deby Itno for over 30 years, maintaining power through military strength.
Following Deby’s death in 2021, his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, took over power, leading a transitional military council.
This dynastic succession has sparked criticism from opposition groups, who argue that the Deby regime stifled political freedoms, suppressed opposition, and allowed corruption.
Many aggrieved people see the Déby family as a barrier to political reform and democracy, fueling calls for their removal.
This continuous anger from the citizens has fueled speculations about an attempted coup following the attack.
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Attackers’ identity questioned
The identity of the attackers remains unclear, but officials are expected to provide more information soon.
According to AFP, the attackers are believed to be members of the notorious Boko Haram terrorist group.
The Chadian military has suffered significant losses in recent months due to deadly attacks.
In October, around 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in an overnight assault on a military base in the Lac (“Lake”) region near the Nigerian border, according to a statement from Chad’s presidency.
While the attackers were not officially identified, the AFP news agency, citing unnamed local security sources, reported that “Boko Haram elements” were responsible for the attack.
Apart from the Boko Haram terrorists group, Al Jazeera lists notably rebel fighters of the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), located near the Libyan border as a major armed group that threatens Chad’s stability.
The armed group is led by Mahamat Mahadi Ali, who has vowed to overthrow the government of Mahamat Idriss Deby.
Notably, the late President Idriss Deby Itno was fatally wounded in 2021 during a battle with FACT rebels as they advanced on N’Djamena.
Following his death, FACT vowed to oppose the transfer of power to his son, rejecting it as a dynastic succession and threatening to depose him in an online statement.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Beverly Ochieng, a security analyst based in Senegal, suggested that the reports of a coup could be credible.
Wednesday’s attacks could be an “inside job” with the aim of “assassinating President Deby” and taking over power, she added.
