N’Djamena has strongly refuted allegations of civilian fatalities resulting from military operations in the Lake Chad region. Gassim Chérif Mahamat, the government’s communication minister and spokesperson, addressed national media on Thursday, stating that such claims aim to undermine the Chadian army’s reputation and integrity. He emphasized the Chadian armed forces’ unwavering professionalism and their crucial role at the forefront of the fight against terrorism across the Sahel and within the Lake Chad basin.

Earlier in the week, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for immediate and independent investigations into alleged bombardments by Nigerian and Chadian forces. These strikes are reported to have caused numerous civilian deaths in Nigeria’s northeastern territories. Türk stressed in a statement that it is imperative for both Nigerian and Chadian authorities to conduct swift, thorough, impartial, and independent inquiries into these deeply concerning incidents.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has maintained that its actions targeted a verified ‘terrorist structure’ exclusively occupied by non-state armed combatants. These individuals, according to the Nigerian army, posed a direct threat to civilian lives.

Chad’s commitment to transparency amidst allegations

Government spokesperson Gassim Chérif Mahamat reiterated Chad’s readiness to initiate investigations, while simultaneously accusing Boko Haram of disrupting community coexistence and terrorizing vulnerable populations daily. He elaborated on Chad’s stance, stating, ‘Operating with a commitment to transparency, the Chadian state is prepared to conduct investigations. We possess an independent judiciary and robust institutions fully capable of carrying out inquiries with complete openness.’

Volker Türk had previously urged both nations’ armed forces to ‘exercise every possible precaution to avoid striking civilians.’ He underscored the critical importance of conducting all military operations in strict adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights principles. Türk firmly asserted that ‘civilians and their properties must never be targets of attacks.’

The expansive aquatic and marshy terrain of Lake Chad, spanning the borders of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, has regrettably evolved into a significant jihadist stronghold since 2009. This volatile area now harbors combatants from both Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).