A Chadian opposition leader led an attack on the National Security Agency in the country’s capital this week and was among several killed, state prosecutors said Thursday.
The attack highlighted the unstable situation in the central African nation of Chad ahead of presidential elections scheduled for May 6.
The slain leader, Yaya Dilo, was a cousin of the current president and a likely candidate for the next election. He was the leader of the Socialist Party Without Borders, which was behind Wednesday’s attack on the National Security Agency.
A day after election day was set for Chad, opposition groups attack security services in the capital
State prosecutor Umar Mahamat Kedele said Dilo was among those killed, but did not elaborate on the circumstances of his death or who shot him.
This photo taken in N’Djamena on April 23, 2021 shows the Chadian flag floating on the monument in Plaza de la Nation during the state funeral of late President Idriss Deby. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Armed assailants in more than 10 vehicles attacked government offices in the capital, N’Djamena. Mr Kedireh said at least 20 people had been arrested and an investigation was ongoing.
The attack followed the arrest earlier Wednesday of the opposition finance chief on suspicion of attempting to assassinate the country’s Supreme Court chief justice.
Chad’s interim president, Mahamat Deby Itno, seized power after his father, who had ruled the country for more than 30 years, was killed in fighting with rebels in 2021. Last year, the government announced it would extend the 18-month transition period for another two years. protests across the country.
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The internet was cut off in Chad on Wednesday afternoon and was not restored until late Thursday.
