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Chad’s government has firmly rejected allegations from the United Nations concerning civilian casualties resulting from military operations in the Lake Chad region. Gassim Chérif Mahamat, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, addressed national media on Thursday, asserting that such accusations are designed to discredit the Chadian army and undermine its integrity. He underscored 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.
These accusations follow a call from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who on Wednesday demanded swift and independent investigations into bombings in northeastern Nigeria. These strikes, reportedly carried out by Nigerian and Chadian forces, are believed to have claimed dozens of civilian lives. Türk emphasized the critical need for Nigerian and Chadian authorities to conduct prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial inquiries into these deeply troubling incidents.
In response to the allegations, the Nigerian army stated that its operations targeted a “confirmed terrorist structure” exclusively occupied by “non-state armed actors” who posed a direct threat to civilian lives.
Chadian authorities pledge transparency amidst civilian strike inquiries
Government spokesperson Gassim Chérif Mahamat reiterated Chad’s commitment to facilitating investigations. He also accused Boko Haram of actively destabilizing community coexistence and continuously terrorizing vulnerable populations in the affected areas. “Operating with a commitment to transparency, the Chadian state is prepared to conduct thorough investigations. We possess an independent justice system and robust institutions fully capable of carrying out inquiries with complete openness,” he affirmed.
Volker Türk had previously urged the armed forces of both nations to “exercise all possible precautions to avoid striking civilians,” emphasizing that military operations must be conducted in strict accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights principles. He reiterated that “civilians and their property must never be targets of attacks.”
The vast expanse of water and marshlands, shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, has tragically transformed into a jihadist stronghold since 2009. This volatile region now harbors fighters from both Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), exacerbating regional instability.
