Nine persons were killed and forty-six were injured when a terrible fire started a sequence of explosions at a military ammunition storage in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital. Late Tuesday in the Goudji area, the occurrence set off widespread alarm among the startled locals from their slumber by the booms.
Government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah verified the losses and continuous treatment of the injured. President Mahamat Deby Itno started an inquiry since the reason of the fire is yet unknown. On Facebook Deby said, “Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the bereaved families and quick recovery to the injured.” He visited hospitals and the explosion site as well to see the injured.
Beginning soon before midnight, the explosions illuminated the night sky and pushed dense smoke skyward. Many of the neighbors, who thought it was an armed attack, were further alarmed by nearby buildings shaking and explosive force scattering ammunition.
Authorities have locked the area and security personnel are aggressively gathering the scattered artillery shells. Local resident Allamine Moussa highlighted the great effect on local households by requesting immediate government aid. “Many families have recorded deaths; it is heartbreaking,” Moussa said.
With around 18 million citizens, Chad has been struggling with political unrest especially after a divisive presidential contest in which Deby Itno won. Since the death of his father in 2021, a time under military control, he has been guiding the nation as temporary president.
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Expert on Africa at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Cameron Hudson advised that the explosions might not be coincidental and could be a message to the administration among internal political tensions and regional crises including the continuous war in neighboring Sudan. “Deby Itno finds himself in a difficult position over recent allegations concerning Chad’s apparent participation in the Sudan conflict. A house split cannot stand,” Hudson said.
Saying, “It could have been worse,” President Deby hailed emergency services for their quick reaction during his visit to the explosion scene. We have assembled a team of investigators here. To find the reason for the fire and stop next events, he underlined the need for extensive research.
This sad incident emphasizes the great difficulties Chad has in guaranteeing the security and stability of its people among continuous political and regional conflicts.
