Chad denies UN claims of civilian deaths in Lake Chad strikes

The Chadian government has strongly rejected allegations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding civilian casualties in military strikes conducted in the Lake Chad basin targeting Boko Haram positions. This official response was delivered in N’Djamena by the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Gassim Chérif Mahamat.

The government dismissed the accusations as « deliberate attempts to undermine the credibility of the Chadian army, » arguing that such claims harm the dignity and reputation of national defense forces. According to the spokesperson, the Chadian military remains fully committed to combating terrorism across the Sahel and the broader Lake Chad region—a zone plagued by years of armed group attacks.

Chad maintains that military operations are executed with strict adherence to international humanitarian law. Authorities assert that all necessary precautions are taken to minimize collateral damage and prevent civilian harm during strikes against Boko Haram targets.

The government’s rebuttal follows a UN Human Rights report suggesting significant civilian losses in recent aerial operations conducted by Chadian forces in the region. This document has reignited debates over the conduct of military actions in a volatile area where clashes between security forces and armed groups persist.

N’Djamena firmly disputes the findings, claiming they lack sufficient substantiation. Authorities argue instead that defense and security forces continue to play a pivotal role in stabilizing the region, standing at the forefront against terrorist threats.

The government calls for a « balanced and responsible assessment » of the security situation and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding civilians. It also advocates for enhanced international cooperation to better coordinate efforts against extremist groups active in the Lake Chad basin.

Amid diplomatic tensions, Chadian authorities emphasize their resolve to continue operations against Boko Haram while defending the legitimacy and professionalism of their armed forces in a challenging security environment.