Egypt expresses solidarity with Chad after presidential palace attack

CAIRO – 9 January 2025: Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with the government and people of Chad and full condemnation of the recent terrorist attack on the presidential palace in the capital, N'Djamena.

Abdelatty, in a phone call on Thursday with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Chadians Abroad and International Cooperation Abderaman Koulamallah, expressed Egypt’s support to Chad’s efforts to safeguard national security and stability.

During their call, the ministers discussed bilateral relations, especially in the fields of economy, trade and capacity building.

They also conferred about regional crises, including the situation in Sudan as well as enhancing security and stability in the Sahel and Sahara region.

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.

Koulamallah, who is also the government spokesman, 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.