Attack on the presidential residence in Chad – NRK Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country

Attack on the presidential residence in Chad – NRK Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country

Gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in Chad, sparking fears of a security breach. Witnesses reported seeing military convoys rushing toward the area, amplifying concerns. A source from AFP confirmed that armed individuals had breached the vicinity of the palace, though their identities and motives remain shrouded in mystery.

Aziz Mahamat Saleh, a government minister, attempted to calm public nerves with a Facebook post. “Nothing serious, no panic,” he wrote, assuring citizens that the situation was under control. Though, official reports later revealed that 19 people had died, including 18 attackers, with nine others injured during the confrontation.

Attack on the presidential residence in Chad – NRK Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno assumed power in 2021 after his fatherS death, establishing a military junta to govern the nation.

Photo: AFP

Security sources revealed that the assailants managed to fire shots inside the palace before being overpowered by guards. Investigations into the attack are ongoing,with authorities yet to determine the attackers’ motives or affiliations.

Chad’s Strategic Shift: moving Away from France

Chad, a former French colony that gained independence in 1960, has long struggled with poverty and political instability.The nation has also become a sanctuary for hundreds of thousands fleeing Sudan’s civil war, which began in 2023. This influx has placed immense pressure on Chad’s already limited resources and security systems.

Over the years, Chad has faced internal power struggles, with groups like the Islamist militant institution Boko haram launching repeated attacks. For decades, Chad relied on a defense pact with France, which stationed around 1,000 troops in the country as of 2024. Though, relations soured after Boko Haram killed 40 Chadian soldiers in October 2024. The Chadian government accused France of failing to provide adequate support in the wake of the tragedy.

In November 2024, Chad formally ended its military agreement with France, leading to the complete withdrawal of French troops by December. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koullamah explained the decision,stating,”It is time for our country to assert its full sovereignty.” He added, “While France remains a key ally, Chad must redefine its strategic partnerships in line with national priorities.”

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President mahamat Idriss Deby Itno met in October 2024.

Photo: AFP

This decision marks a significant shift in Chad’s foreign policy, reflecting a growing trend among African nations to reassess their ties with former colonial powers. As chad charts this new course, it faces the dual challenge of maintaining domestic stability while building fresh alliances on the global stage.

Emmanuel Macron and President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno in October 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno in October 2024.

Photo: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron has ignited a heated debate with his recent comments regarding France’s involvement in counterterrorism efforts across the Sahel region. During a speech on Monday, Macron asserted that nations in the Sahel had “forgotten to thank” France for its contributions to combating extremist groups. This statement has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.

In a sharply worded response posted on Facebook, President Déby Itno accused Macron of showing “contempt for africa and Africans.” He added, “I think he is in the wrong era,” implying that Macron’s remarks reflect a colonial mindset that no longer aligns with contemporary African realities.

The Sahel, a vast region stretching across countries like Senegal, Chad, Ghana, and Nigeria, has long been a hotspot for international counterterrorism operations.France has been a key player in these efforts, but Macron’s comments have reignited discussions about the nature of its involvement and its past ties to its former colonies.

This exchange underscores the growing friction between France and African nations, as leaders in the Sahel increasingly scrutinize the dynamics of their relationships with former colonial powers. Macron’s remarks have not only sparked diplomatic tensions but also raised questions about the future of international cooperation in the region.

Chad Takes a Bold Step Toward Democracy with parliamentary Elections

Chad, a nation long plagued by political instability and military rule, has taken a significant stride toward democratic governance. For the first time in over a decade, the country held parliamentary elections in December 2024, marking a pivotal moment in its tumultuous history. These elections,the results of which are expected in late January 2025,aim to transition the nation away from military dominance and restore civilian rule.

A Rocky Path to Democracy

Chad’s journey to this historic election has been anything but smooth. The nation, one of the poorest in Africa, has endured years of political turmoil, exacerbated by the death of President Idriss Déby in 2021. Déby, who ruled for three decades, was killed in a clash with rebel forces, leaving a power vacuum that his son, Mahamat Déby Itno, quickly filled. The younger Déby established a military council to govern the country, initially promising an 18-month transition to civilian rule. However, this timeline was extended by two years in 2022, sparking widespread protests and deepening public discontent.

In May 2024, Mahamat Déby Itno claimed victory in the presidential election with over 60% of the vote. However, the legitimacy of this win was called into question by opposition leaders, who alleged widespread fraud. Despite these controversies, the recent parliamentary elections represent a renewed effort to address the grievances of a population weary of military governance and yearning for stability.

Opposition Boycotts and Electoral Skepticism

While the elections were celebrated as a step forward, they were not without their challenges.Several opposition parties boycotted the polls, accusing the government of planning to manipulate the results. “The results will be rigged,” opposition leaders claimed, urging citizens to abstain from voting. This boycott underscores the deep mistrust between the ruling party and its political adversaries, raising concerns about the clarity and fairness of the electoral process.

Chad in a Turbulent Region

Chad’s political landscape is further intricate by the broader instability in the Sahel region. In recent years,neighboring countries such as Mali,Burkina Faso,and Niger have experienced military coups,leading to the expulsion of French forces and a shift toward authoritarian rule. Amid this regional upheaval, Chad’s efforts to hold elections—despite delays and controversies—position it as a potential outlier in a region increasingly dominated by military regimes.

What Lies Ahead for Chad?

as Chad awaits the final results of its parliamentary elections, the nation stands at a critical juncture. The outcome will not only shape the future of its political system but also determine whether the country can overcome its turbulent past and achieve lasting stability. For now, the international community watches closely as Chad strives to redefine its destiny amidst immense challenges.

Published:

Updated:

What are the key challenges that Chad faces in consolidating its transition to a civilian-led government?

Tory. The elections where seen as a crucial step in the transition from military rule to a civilian-led government, following the death of former President Idriss Déby itno in 2021 and the subsequent establishment of a military junta led by his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.

The elections were conducted under the watchful eyes of international observers, who praised the relatively peaceful and orderly process. Voter turnout was reported to be high, with citizens expressing hope for a new era of stability and progress. The newly elected parliament is expected to play a key role in drafting a new constitution and paving the way for presidential elections in the near future.

However, the road to democracy remains fraught with challenges. Critics have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process, citing allegations of voter suppression and irregularities in some regions. Additionally, the contry continues to grapple with deep-seated issues such as poverty, corruption, and the ongoing threat of militant groups like Boko Haram.

Despite these challenges, the elections represent a significant milestone for Chad. they signal a willingness among the nation’s leaders to embrace democratic principles and work toward a more inclusive and transparent political system. As Chad moves forward, the international community will be closely watching to see how the country navigates this critical juncture in its history.

The success of Chad’s democratic transition could have far-reaching implications not only for the nation itself but also for the broader Sahel region, which has long struggled with political instability and extremism. If Chad can establish a stable and democratic government, it could serve as a model for other nations in the region seeking to break free from the cycle of military rule and authoritarianism.

as the newly elected parliament begins its work, the people of Chad remain cautiously optimistic. The journey toward democracy is rarely easy, but for a nation that has endured so much, the promise of a brighter future is a powerful motivator. The world will be watching as Chad takes its next steps on this historic path.

Leave a Replay