N’Djamena defends military operations

The Chadian government has categorically rejected accusations that its armed forces caused civilian casualties during recent military operations against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. Government spokesman Gassim Chérif Mahamat condemned what he described as attempts to “undermine the credibility of the Chadian military.” He emphasized that the country’s armed forces operate with “professionalism and full commitment” in combating terrorism across the Sahel and around Lake Chad.

The statement follows a UN Human Rights Office communiqué reporting that Chadian and Nigerian military strikes in Nigeria’s northeast had resulted in dozens of civilian deaths. The UN called for urgent investigations into the incidents.

UN demands thorough investigations

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged authorities in Tchad and Nigeria to conduct “swift, thorough, independent, and impartial” investigations into the reported strikes. He stressed that military operations must adhere to international humanitarian law, warning that “civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted.”

Chad pledges cooperation

While firmly denying the allegations, the Chadian government stated it remains open to independent investigations. Gassim Chérif Mahamat reassured that the country’s “independent justice system” is capable of conducting transparent probes. Nigeria’s military, for its part, claimed the strikes targeted a “confirmed terrorist structure” exclusively used by non-state armed groups.

The Lake Chad basin: a jihadist stronghold

For over fifteen years, the Lake Chad basin has been a hotspot for jihadist activity. This marshy region, spanning Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Tchad, serves as a refuge for fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). Regional armies conduct frequent operations in the area amid persistent security instability.