The Chadian government on Thursday strongly challenged allegations from the United Nations regarding civilian fatalities during military actions targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. While disputing these claims, N’Djamena affirmed its readiness to initiate investigations.
N’Djamena defends Chadian armed forces
Gassim Chérif Mahamat, the Chadian government spokesperson, on Thursday condemned the accusations, suggesting they could “discredit the Chadian army.” He maintained that the nation’s armed forces operate with “professionalism” and remain fully dedicated to counter-terrorism efforts across the Sahel region and around Lake Chad. These remarks followed a statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which reported bombings in northeastern Nigeria, attributed to both Chadian and Nigerian forces, allegedly resulting in dozens of civilian deaths.
UN demands independent inquiries
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on Wednesday urged Chadian and Nigerian authorities to conduct “prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial” investigations into these reported incidents. He further called upon the armed forces of both countries to exercise “all possible precautions” to prevent civilian casualties, underscoring the imperative for military operations to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law. Türk emphasized, “Civilians and their property must never be the target of attacks.”
Chad expresses willingness to investigate
Despite rejecting the allegations, the Chadian government has affirmed its readiness to undertake investigations. Gassim Chérif Mahamat reassured that Chad possesses “an independent justice system” capable of conducting inquiries with “full transparency.” Nigeria’s military also responded, asserting that its operations targeted a “confirmed terrorist structure” exclusively occupied by non-state armed groups.
Lake Chad basin: a historical jihadist hotspot
For over fifteen years, the Lake Chad basin has emerged as a primary hub for jihadist activity in Africa. This expansive marshland, bordering Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, provides sanctuary for fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Armies from the region consistently conduct military operations against these armed factions amidst a highly volatile security landscape.
- Nigeria
- Militaires
- Tchad
- ONU
- Lac Tchad
- Attaques djihadistes
