Unknown assailants attack presidential palace in capital of Chad - Media

On Wednesday evening, intense gunfire was heard near the presidential residence in the capital of Chad, N'Djamena. According to an AFP reporter, armed individuals attacked the interior of the complex.

The authorities have not yet commented on the situation, but a source in the security services confirmed the attack.

Tanks were seen on the streets of N'Djamena, and all roads leading to the presidential residence have been blocked.

According to eyewitness Abbas Mahamout Seid, "military vehicles coming from all directions."

It is noteworthy that the incident occurred less than two weeks after the controversial general elections in the country. Chad, located in the northern part of Africa, remains in a tense political situation, and the recent events have only heightened the uncertainty.

French military withdrawal from Chad

The French state has actively participated in military operations in the Sahel region over the past decade, aiming to counter jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. During this period, 58 French servicemen have been killed in the conflict zone.

However, in 2022-2023, France was forced to end its military presence in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This occurred after power in these nations shifted to military juntas that aligned themselves with Russia.

At the end of December, French troops began to leave Chad, and the withdrawal of the contingent from Senegal is also planned in the near future. Earlier, the president of Senegal stated that the presence of foreign armed forces is incompatible with the country's sovereignty.

French President Emmanuel Macron explained why France is withdrawing its military forces from African countries.