N’Djamena defends military’s conduct

The Chadian government spokesperson, Gassim Chérif Mahamat, condemned on Thursday accusations that «undermine the credibility of the Chadian army». He emphasized that national forces remain «highly professional» and fully committed to combating terrorism across the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin. These remarks follow a UN Human Rights Office statement alleging that Chadian and Nigerian airstrikes in Nigeria’s northeast caused dozens of civilian fatalities.

UN calls for swift, transparent investigations

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Chadian and Nigerian authorities on Wednesday to conduct «prompt, thorough, independent and impartial» probes into the incidents. He stressed that military operations must adhere to international humanitarian law, warning that «civilians and their property must never be targeted».

Chad commits to accountability

While rejecting the allegations, the Chadian government stated its readiness to investigate. Gassim Chérif Mahamat affirmed the country’s «independent judiciary» could conduct transparent probes. The Nigerian military also responded, claiming its strikes targeted «confirmed terrorist structures» exclusively occupied by armed groups.

Lake Chad basin: a decade-long jihadist stronghold

For over fifteen years, the Lake Chad basin has been a major jihadist hub in Africa. The marshy region spanning Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad serves as a refuge for Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. Regional armies conduct regular operations against these groups amid persistent security instability.