An foiled attack on Chad's presidential compound overnight was carried out by a disorganised band of intoxicated men wielding knives and machetes who were easily neutralised by security forces, a government spokesperson said.

The Chadian capital N'Djamena was on alert on Thursday after 19 people died during clashes between security forces and gunmen in the presidential complex.

The African country has recently ended a military accord with former colonial power France and has faced accusations that it was interfering in the conflict ravaging neighboring Sudan.