Chad denies un accusations after anti-boko haram strikes

Chad’s government has firmly rejected allegations from the United Nations that civilians were killed during airstrikes targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing held on May 14, officials demanded concrete evidence and offered to host an independent investigation team.

The UN previously stated that airstrikes, allegedly conducted by Nigerian and Chadian forces, resulted in approximately 100 civilian casualties in northeastern Nigeria and Chad. Some of these strikes were reportedly carried out during operations against Boko Haram, prompting calls for an official inquiry.

government dismisses allegations as baseless

Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Chadian Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, dismissed the accusations as unfounded. « We respond with surprise. These serious allegations appear to be an attempt to undermine the credibility of the Chadian Army, despite its proven track record as a frontline force in the fight against terrorism across the Sahel and Lake Chad region. This is a highly professional military that has repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness, » he stated.

He further asserted that no civilians or fishermen were present in the areas targeted by Chadian airstrikes. « To date, no verifiable evidence supports these claims, » he emphasized, adding that N’Djamena is prepared to conduct its own investigations and invite the UN or other international bodies to conduct independent on-site probes.

security and socio-economic measures in lake Chad region

The government spokesperson highlighted that the ongoing state of emergency in the region is designed to protect and support local populations. Military and security personnel remain permanently deployed to ensure stability and deter threats.

He also outlined a two-pronged approach to combating Boko Haram: strengthening security measures while addressing socio-economic challenges. Significant state investments have been made in the area to counter radicalization, which thrives in conditions of poverty and limited infrastructure.

« Chad bears the heaviest burden in this fight, not only through its military commitment but also through the sacrifices of its people, » Gassim Chérif Mahamat stressed. He underscored the country’s close collaboration with Nigeria, another Lake Chad basin nation, in the shared struggle against the Boko Haram insurgency.

The jihadist group launched attacks on Chadian military positions on May 4 and 6, resulting in casualties among troops. The Chadian government maintains that Boko Haram, not its own forces, is responsible for the violence.