The Chadian government has firmly rejected accusations from the United Nations alleging civilian casualties in airstrikes targeting Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad Basin. During a press briefing on May 14, officials demanded concrete evidence and offered to host an independent investigation team.
The UN had stated earlier that airstrikes allegedly conducted by Nigerian and Chadian forces resulted in approximately 100 civilian deaths in northeastern Nigeria and Chad, including some during operations against Boko Haram, urging an official inquiry.
Government dismisses allegations as baseless
Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, called the accusations unfounded. « We respond with astonishment. These grave allegations aim to tarnish the reputation of the Chadian Army, despite its leading role in the fight against terrorism across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. This is a professional army with a proven track record, » he stated.
He emphasized that no civilians or fishermen were present in the areas targeted by Chadian airstrikes. « To date, no formal evidence supports these claims. Chad is prepared to conduct its own investigations and invites the United Nations or any international body to conduct independent on-site inquiries, » he added.
Safety measures and counterterrorism strategy
The spokesperson reiterated that the ongoing state of emergency in the region is designed to protect civilians and ensure their well-being. Military and security personnel remain fully deployed around the clock.
He also highlighted the dual approach of Chad’s anti-Boko Haram strategy, combining security operations with socioeconomic initiatives. « The state has heavily invested in the area to combat radicalization fueled by poverty and inadequate infrastructure, » he explained.
Chad bears the heaviest burden, he noted, with both its population and military constantly mobilized. While emphasizing the country’s collaboration with Nigeria in combating the terrorist group, he stressed that Chad is not the only Lake Chad Basin nation affected.
Boko Haram launched attacks on Chadian military positions on May 4 and 6, resulting in multiple casualties. The government maintains that the violence stems from the jihadist group, not its own forces.
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