- Chadian government downplays gunfire near presidential palace
- Sources say the clashes involved security forces and “terrorist elements”
- “Nothing serious has happened,” the Foreign Minister said
Chadian government downplays gunfire near presidential palace
Chad’s government has assured citizens that the capital, N’Djamena, remains stable after gunshots were reported near the presidential palace on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah addressed the incident in a video reportedly filmed within the palace complex. Describing it as a “little incident,” Koulamallah emphasized that “everything is calm.”
Sources close to the government indicated that the clashes involved security forces and “terrorist elements.” The French news agency AFP reported that 18 attackers and one security officer were killed during the confrontation.
Following the incident, tanks were deployed in the area, and roads leading to the palace were sealed off, according to AFP.
In the video, posted on Facebook, Koulamallah appeared with members of the government forces.
“Nothing serious has happened,” he says.
“We are here and we will defend our country at the price of our blood. Be calm.
“This whole attempt at destabilisation has been thwarted.”