Egypt condemns ‘terrorist’ attack on presidential palace in Chad

CAIRO – 9 January 2025: Egypt condemns the “terrorist” attack on the presidential palace in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.

Egypt affirmed full solidarity with the government and people of Chard in such critical time, denouncing this terrorist act that targeted the nation’s security and stability.

The ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s support to the efforts made by the Chadian government to preserve the country’s security and stability and achieve the aspirations of people in development and peace.

FOILING ASSAULT

Chad's security forces successfully thwarted an armed assault on the country’s presidential complex, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people, including 18 of the attackers.

The attempted storming of the president's office occurred on Wednesday evening, with a force of 24 armed men engaging in gun battles with security personnel. The remaining six assailants are reportedly in custody.

Chad’s foreign minister and government spokesman, Abderaman Koulamallah, confirmed that one member of the security forces lost his life, while three others were injured, one critically.

In a video following the incident, Koulamallah, flanked by soldiers and armed himself, declared, “The situation is completely under control … the destabilisation attempt was put down.”

President Mahamat Idriss Deby was in the presidential complex during the attack, said Koulamallah.

After the attack, reports claimed that the attack was affiliated with armed personnel close to the militant group Boko Haram. However, Koulamallah told state TV that the attack is probably not terrorist.

He noted that assailants were local youths from N’Djamena, asserting that the attackers were disorganized and intoxicated by alcohol and drugs.