The Chadian government has firmly rejected accusations from the United Nations Human Rights Office regarding civilian casualties during military operations in the Lake Chad basin targeting Boko Haram positions. The statement was delivered in N’Djamena by the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Gassim Chérif Mahamat.

According to the official, the UN allegations are part of an effort to undermine the credibility of Chad’s armed forces. He emphasized that the army remains fully committed to combating terrorism across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region—a zone plagued by years of armed group attacks. The government maintains that military operations are conducted with strict adherence to international humanitarian law, ensuring maximum precautions to prevent civilian harm.

The Chadian authorities argue that the UN report lacks sufficient evidence to substantiate civilian casualties from recent airstrikes. They contend that their forces continue to play a critical role in regional stabilization, facing down extremist threats head-on. Officials call for a balanced and responsible assessment of the security situation, stressing their dedication to protecting civilians while urging stronger international cooperation against militant groups in the Lake Chad basin.

Military operations under scrutiny

The UN’s allegations have reignited debates over the conduct of military operations in the region, where clashes between security forces and armed groups remain frequent. N’Djamena has dismissed the conclusions outright, asserting that its forces operate with professionalism and discipline. The government reiterated its commitment to transparency while defending its counterterrorism efforts as essential to regional security.