ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 10, 2025

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 10, 2025

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Possible Attempted Coup Defeated in Chad
• China Widens Consumer Trade-in Program to Boost Spending
• Mozambique Opposition Leader Returns After Fleeing Disputed October Election

Possible Attempted Coup Defeated in Chad

An apparent attempted coup in Chad was thwarted, with 18 of the 24 assailants reportedly killed by security forces. According to government reports, a group of 24 commandos launched an attack on the Presidential Palace, briefly gained entry, and killed at least one guard, before being defeated. While initial reports suggested the involvement of the terrorist group Boko Haram, other government officials indicated that the assailants were "probably not [by] terrorists,” leaving the true identity of the attackers still unclear.

China Widens Consumer Trade-in Program to Boost Spending

China’s top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, said that the government will include more products in its home appliance trade-in program in 2025, extending state subsidies to microwave ovens, water purifiers, dishwashers, and rice cookers. Under the expanded trade-in programs, consumers who buy new mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches will also qualify for a 15 percent subsidy for products priced at less than USD 819. The annual cap on total subsidies will be USD 205 per person.

Mozambique Opposition Leader Returns After Fleeing Disputed October Election

Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned to the country on Thursday, after fleeing following the highly disputed October election, which triggered demonstrations that led to the deaths of many demonstrators. Mondlane has not returned to the country since several of his allies were killed in post-election violence after Mondlane claimed to have won the October 9, 2024, general elections. Since then, Mondlane has orchestrated several bouts of violent demonstrations that have destabilized the elections. Mondlane's claims of electoral fraud have proven credible with the Constitutional Court, partially reallocating votes. However, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) is still set to be inaugurated as the president on January 15 with a large majority in Parliament. Mondlane has vowed to install himself as the president on that day.