The latter refer to an assassination attempt against President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.
In a statement published on Thursday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned the possible involvement of “suspected members of Boko Haram” in the attack on the Chadian presidential palace, and unequivocally condemned “this terrorist attack directed against the legitimate authorities of the Republic of Chad”.
However the authorities in Chad have not mentioned any link with the terrorist group.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno claimed in a message on social media platform that the incident was “aimed at him.
His spokesman, Abderaman Koulamallah, spoke a few hours earlier of a “desperate attempt at destabilisation” by a group of young “drug addicts”.
The attack took place on January 8 at around 7:45 p.m. According to the official account, 24 individuals armed with machetes and knives feigned a vehicle breakdown in front of the presidency before attacking the guards on duty.
Two soldiers from the presidential guard were killed and eighteen attackers neutralised.
Prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedellaye has opened investigations to identify all those responsible.
The deaths are described as “murder crimes” and “attempted attacks on state institutions,” acts punishable
by sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison.
President Déby welcomed the “massive and instantaneous” support received from the Chadian people and friendly countries in the wake of the incident.
He assured citizens that justice will establish the facts and hold the perpetrators responsible.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA