Chad denies un accusations of civilian casualties in anti-boko haram strikes

The Chadian government has firmly rejected accusations from the United Nations alleging civilian deaths in airstrikes targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing on May 14, officials demanded concrete evidence and offered to host an independent investigative mission.

The UN had stated that airstrikes attributed to both Nigeria and the Chadian military resulted in approximately 100 civilian fatalities in northeast Nigeria and Chad, some during operations against Boko Haram, and called for an inquiry. Chadian authorities, however, dismissed these claims as unfounded.

Chadian authorities question the credibility of the allegations

Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, expressed surprise at the accusations. “These serious allegations appear designed to undermine the credibility of the Chadian Army, which remains at the forefront of the Sahel and Lake Chad basin’s fight against terrorism,” he stated. “This is a professional army with a proven track record.”

The spokesperson insisted that no civilians or fishermen were present in the areas targeted by Chadian airstrikes. “No formal evidence supports these claims,” he emphasized, adding that N’Djamena is prepared to conduct its own investigations and welcome United Nations or other international bodies to conduct independent inquiries on the ground.

Security and socio-economic measures in the Lake Chad region

The spokesperson highlighted the ongoing state of emergency in the region, which aims to safeguard both security and the well-being of local populations. The military and security services maintain a constant presence in the area.

He also underscored that the fight against Boko Haram is built on two key pillars: security and socio-economic development. The Chadian government has invested significantly in the region to combat radicalization driven by poverty and inadequate infrastructure.

Gassim Chérif Mahamat reiterated that Chad bears the heaviest burden in this conflict, both in terms of civilian lives and military efforts. He noted that the country is not the only Lake Chad basin state and collaborates closely with Nigeria in countering the Boko Haram threat.

Prior attacks by Boko Haram

On May 4 and 6, the jihadist group launched attacks on Chadian military positions, resulting in multiple casualties. The Chadian government maintains that Boko Haram, not its own forces, is responsible for the violence.