Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno delivered a firm statement on social media, vowing to intensify efforts against the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram. On May 5, he declared via a Facebook post, “We will continue this fight with renewed determination until this menace is completely eradicated.”

The president’s remarks followed a deadly assault on Chad’s military base in Barka Tolorom, situated along the Chadian shoreline of Lake Chad. The brazen attack, executed by an offshoot of the Islamist militant group, resulted in the loss of 24 soldiers.

Military setbacks amid ongoing insurgency

The strike on the Lake Chad base underscores the persistent vulnerabilities faced by regional security forces despite years of counterinsurgency operations. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the group’s evolving tactics and sustained operational capacity in the area.

Government response and regional implications

President Déby Itno’s pledge reflects the heightened urgency among regional leaders to address the lingering insurgency. The incident has reignited debates over military strategies and international cooperation needed to curb the group’s influence in the Sahel.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter