The Chadian government has firmly rejected allegations from the United Nations that civilian lives were lost during airstrikes targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin. During a press briefing held on Thursday, May 14, officials demanded concrete evidence and offered to host an independent investigation mission.

On Sunday, the UN reported that airstrikes allegedly involving Nigerian and Chadian forces had resulted in around 100 civilian deaths in northeastern Nigeria and Chad, some during operations against Boko Haram. The organization called for an immediate inquiry to clarify the situation.

Chad’s Defense of Military Operations

Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Government Spokesperson and Minister of Communication, dismissed the accusations as unfounded. « We are surprised by these claims. Such serious allegations aim to undermine the credibility of the Chadian Armed Forces, despite their proven track record in combating terrorism across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. This is a highly professional army that has consistently delivered results, » he stated.

He further asserted that « there were no civilians or fishermen » in the areas targeted by the Chadian air force. « As of now, no formal evidence supports these claims, » he added, emphasizing that N’Djamena is willing to « conduct its own investigations and welcome United Nations or other international bodies to conduct independent inquiries on the ground. »

Government’s Commitment to Security and Development

The government spokesperson highlighted the ongoing state of emergency in the region, designed to protect civilians and ensure their safety. Military and security personnel remain deployed around the clock to maintain order and deter threats.

Mahamat also stressed that the fight against Boko Haram is twofold: combining robust security measures with socio-economic initiatives. He pointed out that the state has allocated significant resources to the area to counter radicalization fueled by poverty and inadequate infrastructure.

« Chad bears the heaviest burden, both in terms of its people and its military, which remains on constant alert, » he noted. The country, he added, is not the only Lake Chad Basin nation facing this threat and continues to collaborate closely with Nigeria in countering Boko Haram’s activities.

Recent Attacks by Boko Haram

On May 4 and 6, the jihadist group launched attacks on Chadian military positions, resulting in casualties among soldiers. N’Djamena firmly attributes these violent acts to Boko Haram, rejecting any suggestion that its own forces are responsible for civilian harm.