Chad’s government has downplayed the shootings in the capital

Chad’s government insisted the situation in the capital N’Djamena was stable after shots were fired near the presidential palace.

Foreign Minister Abderaman Kulamalla said in a video apparently recorded at the palace complex that there had been a “small incident” but that “everything is calm”.

Sources close to the African nation’s government said there had been clashes between security forces and “terrorist elements”.

French news agency AFP quoted Kulamalla as saying that 18 attackers and a member of the security forces had been killed.

Chad is a landlocked country in northern and central Africa that has since gained independence from France in 1960. has seen frequent periods of instability and fighting, most recently between government forces and those of the Islamist group Boko Haram.

It is led by President Mahamat Deby, who was appointed by the military in 2021 after his father Idriss Deby was killed in a battle with rebel forces after 30 years in power.

After Wednesday’s incident, tanks were seen in the area and all roads leading to the palace were closed, AFP said.

In the video posted on Facebook, Kulamalla is seen surrounded by members of the government forces.

“Nothing serious happened,” he says.

“We are here and we will defend our country with our blood. Be calm.

This whole attempt at destabilization was foiled.

He is then seen taking pictures and raising his fist with the soldiers.

Kulamala, quoted by AFP, said the attack was carried out by a 24-member commando squad, adding that six of the attackers suffered injuries.

Three other members of the government forces were also injured, he added.

The incident came just hours after a visit to the former French territory by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who met with Debbie and other senior officials.

Late last month, Chad held a series of parliamentary elections that the government touted as the first step in a transition from military to civilian rule.

However, opposition groups called on their supporters to boycott the vote over concerns of voter fraud.

Chad previously hosted a French military base, which France used to provide logistical and intelligence support to the Chadian army, as well as participate in regional counter-terrorism operations.

In November terminated its defense cooperation agreement with France, a move that Coulamalla said would allow Chad to “assert its full sovereignty”.

Chad is also part of a region stretching across Africa that has become known as the Coup Belt following a series of military coups since 2020. so far, including in Mali, Niger and Sudan.