Chad's government said security forces had foiled an attempt to destabilise the country on Wednesday evening, after bursts of gunfire rang out near the president's office in the capital N'Djamena and the military blocked the surrounding streets.

Multiple gunshots were heard near the presidential palace in the capital of the African nation of Chad on Wednesday evening, residents said, while one government minister reported that the situation was under control.

N'DJAMENA (Reuters) -Bursts of gunfire rang out near the presidency in Chad's capital N'Djamena on Wednesday evening, two residents in the area told Reuters. Convoys of military vehicles were seen driving towards the presidential headquarters of the central African country,

Sustained gunfire was heard Wednesday evening near the presidency in Chad's capital N'Djamena, AFP reporters said.