N’Djamena defends military operations in Lake Chad region

The Chadian government has categorically denied UN allegations of civilian casualties resulting from military strikes against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. Speaking on Thursday, government spokesperson Gassim Chérif Mahamat emphasized that the Chadian Armed Forces maintain strict professional standards while combating terrorism in the Sahel and around the Lake Chad region.

These assertions follow a UN Human Rights Office statement claiming that joint Chadian and Nigerian military operations in northeastern Nigeria resulted in dozens of civilian fatalities. The accusations have raised concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law.

UN calls for transparent investigations into military operations

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged both Chad and Nigeria to conduct swift, thorough, and impartial investigations into the reported incidents. He emphasized the obligation of armed forces to take all necessary precautions to protect civilians, stating: “Civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted in military operations.”

Chad affirms commitment to accountability

Despite rejecting the accusations, N’Djamena has pledged to investigate any potential wrongdoing. Gassim Chérif Mahamat reassured that Chad possesses an independent judicial system capable of conducting transparent inquiries. Meanwhile, the Nigerian military defended its actions, asserting that targeted strikes exclusively hit confirmed terrorist structures occupied solely by non-state armed groups.

Lake Chad basin remains a jihadist hotspot

For over fifteen years, the Lake Chad basin—a vast wetland spanning Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad—has served as a refuge for jihadist factions, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). Regional militaries conduct frequent counterterrorism operations in this volatile area, where insecurity continues to escalate.