Chad government refutes UN claims of civilian casualties in anti-jihadist operations
N’Djamena firmly rejects accusations from the United Nations regarding civilian deaths in airstrikes conducted against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing on May 14, government officials demanded concrete evidence and extended an invitation for an independent investigation.
According to UN reports, airstrikes attributed to Nigerian and Chadian forces allegedly resulted in about a hundred civilian fatalities in northeast Nigeria and Chad. The organization called for an immediate inquiry into the incidents linked to operations targeting Boko Haram.
Government spokesperson dismisses accusations as unfounded
Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Chadian Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, expressed strong disapproval of the allegations. « We respond with surprise. These grave accusations aim to undermine the credibility of the Chadian Army, despite its proven track record in the fight against terrorism across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. This is a professional military force that has consistently delivered results, » he stated.
He emphasized that the areas targeted by Chadian airstrikes « contained neither civilians nor fishermen. » « To date, no formal evidence supports these claims, » he added, noting that Chad is fully prepared to conduct its own investigations and welcome UN or other international bodies to conduct impartial assessments on the ground. »
Security and socio-economic strategies in the fight against Boko Haram
The government highlighted that the ongoing state of emergency in the Lake Chad region is designed to protect local populations, with security forces maintaining a constant presence. Gassim Chérif Mahamat underscored that combating Boko Haram involves two key components: security measures and socio-economic development.
« The State has heavily invested in this region to counter radicalization fueled by poverty and insufficient infrastructure, » he explained. He also stressed that Chad bears a disproportionate burden in this conflict, both in terms of civilian lives and military commitment.
N’Djamena pointed out that it is not the only country in the Lake Chad basin facing this threat and collaborates closely with Nigeria in countering Boko Haram.
On May 4 and 6, the jihadist group launched attacks on Chadian military positions, resulting in casualties on both sides. The government reiterated that Boko Haram, not Chadian forces, remains responsible for the violence plaguing the region.
