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Gassim Chérif Mahamat, the government’s spokesperson and Minister of Communication, firmly rejected allegations that Chad’s military operations in the Lake Chad basin resulted in civilian fatalities. Addressing the national press on Thursday, he asserted, “These accusations are designed to discredit the Chadian army and could undermine its integrity. Our armed forces maintain their professionalism and remain at the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, had previously called for “independent” inquiries on Wednesday. His demand followed reports of bombardments, allegedly carried out by both Nigerian and Chadian forces, which reportedly caused dozens of deaths in Nigeria’s northeastern territories. In a statement, Türk stressed, “It is absolutely crucial that Nigerian and Chadian authorities conduct swift, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into these deeply concerning incidents.”
For its part, the Nigerian military stated that its operations targeted a “confirmed terrorist structure, exclusively occupied by non-state armed actors who posed a direct threat to civilian lives.”
Chadian authorities pledge commitment to transparency
Government spokesperson Gassim Chérif Mahamat reiterated Chad’s willingness to initiate investigations. He also pointed fingers at Boko Haram, accusing the group of destabilizing community coexistence and routinely terrorizing vulnerable populations in affected areas. “Operating with a commitment to transparency, the Chadian state is prepared to conduct investigations,” he explained. “We possess an independent judiciary and robust institutions fully capable of carrying out inquiries with complete openness.”
Türk had previously implored the armed forces of both nations to “exercise every possible precaution to avoid striking civilians.” He underscored that all military operations must adhere strictly to international humanitarian law and human rights principles. “Civilians and their property must never be targets of attacks,” he emphasized.
Since 2009, this expansive area of water and marshlands, shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, has become a significant jihadist stronghold. It provides refuge for fighters from both Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
