N’Djamena rejects un claims of civilian deaths in anti-Boko Haram operations

The Chadian government has unequivocally rejected allegations from the United Nations concerning civilian fatalities during its aerial campaigns against Boko Haram within the Lake Chad basin. During a press conference held on Thursday, May 14, officials demanded concrete evidence and extended an invitation for an independent investigative delegation to conduct an on-site inquiry.

The United Nations had previously reported on Sunday that air raids, attributed to forces from Nigeria and the Chadian Army, allegedly resulted in approximately one hundred civilian deaths across northeastern Nigeria and Chad. Some of these incidents reportedly occurred during operations targeting Boko Haram, prompting the UN to call for a thorough investigation.

Gassim Chérif Mahamat, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, firmly stated that these accusations are entirely without merit. “We respond with utter surprise,” he declared. “These grave allegations are designed to undermine the Chadian Army’s reputation, even as it stands at the forefront of the battle against terrorism throughout the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. Our army is a professional force with a distinguished record.”

He further affirmed that “neither civilians nor fishermen” were present in the specific zones targeted by Chadian aviation. “At this moment, no formal proof supports these accusations,” he added, clarifying that N’Djamena is prepared to “undertake its own investigations and to welcome the United Nations or any other international body to the ground to conduct independent inquiries.”

The spokesperson reiterated that the state of emergency currently in effect across the area is primarily aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of its residents. Military and security services maintain a constant deployment there.

He also underscored that the comprehensive strategy to combat Boko Haram is built upon two essential pillars: a robust security component and crucial socio-economic development. According to his statements, the state has made substantial investments in the region to counteract the indoctrination often fueled by poverty and a lack of essential infrastructure.

“Chad bears the most significant burden, through its people and its consistently mobilized military,” Gassim Chérif Mahamat emphasized. He reminded the public that Chad is not the only nation bordering Lake Chad and actively collaborates with Nigeria in the ongoing struggle against the pervasive Boko Haram insurgency.

On May 4 and 6, the jihadist group launched attacks on positions held by the Chadian Army, causing multiple casualties and injuries. For N’Djamena, it is unequivocally Boko Haram that is responsible for these acts of violence, not the Chadian Army.