The announcement of Chadian opposition politician Yaya Dillo’s death came a day after heavy gunfire erupted in N’Djamena near the headquarters of his party. State prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye confirmed Dillo was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces at a news conference. The violence occurred following clashes near the National Security Agency building, resulting in several casualties. Communications Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated that Dillo refused to surrender and opened fire on law enforcement.
Military presence was heightened in N’Djamena the following day, with access to the presidential palace blocked and internet services still offline. The unrest occurred as the country prepares for a presidential election scheduled for May and June, potentially marking a return to constitutional rule after military takeover three years ago.
Dillo, leader of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF) and a relative of transitional President Idriss Deby, denied any involvement in the security agency attack. He dismissed the accusations as politically motivated lies and condemned the government’s allegations of a PSF-led assassination plot against the Supreme Court president as staged.