A major rebel assault on Chad's capital in 2008 that came close to toppling President Idriss Déby but ultimately failed after two days of urban combat.
Key Facts
- Battle start date
- February 2, 2008
- Rebel force size
- Approximately 2,000 men
- Civilians displaced
- At least 30,000
- Duration of city fighting
- Approximately two days
- Casualties
- Hundreds killed
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Chadian rebel groups—the Union of Forces for Democracy and Development, its Fundamental faction, and the Rally of Democratic Forces—launched a prolonged military campaign to remove President Idriss Déby from power, advancing across the country over three days before reaching the capital N'Djamena.
Beginning February 2, 2008, roughly 2,000 rebels entered N'Djamena, seized large portions of the city, and directly attacked the presidential palace. French forces provided intelligence and ammunition to the Chadian National Army and evacuated foreign nationals, while Darfur-based Justice and Equality Movement fighters helped defend the east.
Rebels failed to capture the presidential palace and withdrew from the city after two days, retreating east roughly two days later. Hundreds died, at least 30,000 people were displaced, and the government arrested several non-rebel opposition leaders in the aftermath.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
3 belligerents
Idriss Déby.
Side B
3 belligerents