N’Djamena has emphatically dismissed allegations from the United Nations regarding civilian fatalities during military airstrikes targeting Boko Haram within the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing held on Thursday, May 14, the Chadian government demanded concrete evidence to substantiate these claims and extended an invitation for an independent investigative mission to visit the country.
The United Nations reported on Sunday that aerial bombardments, reportedly carried out by Nigerian and Chadian forces, were responsible for approximately one hundred civilian deaths across northeastern Nigeria and Chad. These casualties reportedly occurred during operations specifically targeting the Boko Haram insurgency, prompting the UN to call for a thorough inquiry.
Gassim Chérif Mahamat, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, branded these accusations as entirely baseless. “We react with astonishment,” he stated. “These serious allegations appear designed to undermine the Chadian Army, despite its pivotal role on the frontline of the fight against terrorism across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. This is a professional military force with a proven track record.”
He further asserted that “neither civilians nor fishermen” were present in the specific areas targeted by Chadian aircraft. “Currently, no formal evidence exists to substantiate these claims,” he elaborated. He reiterated N’Djamena’s readiness to “conduct its own investigations and to welcome the United Nations or any other international body to the ground to carry out independent inquiries.”
The spokesperson emphasized that the ongoing state of emergency in the affected zone is primarily aimed at safeguarding the security and welfare of its inhabitants. Military and security forces maintain a constant presence there to ensure stability.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the comprehensive strategy to counter Boko Haram is built upon two fundamental pillars: robust security measures and significant socio-economic development. He noted the substantial state investments made in the region, specifically designed to combat the indoctrination that often thrives amidst poverty and inadequate infrastructure.
“Chad bears the heaviest burden, through both its populace and its constantly mobilized army,” Gassim Chérif Mahamat stressed. He reminded that Chad is not the sole littoral nation of Lake Chad and actively collaborates with Nigeria in the ongoing battle against the Boko Haram network.
On May 4 and 6, the jihadist group launched assaults on Chadian Army positions, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. N’Djamena maintains that Boko Haram is unequivocally responsible for the violence plaguing the region, not the Chadian military.
