N’Djamena stands by its armed forces

The Chadian government’s spokesperson, Gassim Chérif Mahamat, condemned on Thursday accusations that he claimed could undermine the credibility of the country’s military. He emphasized that the Chadian armed forces operate with professionalism and remain fully committed to combating terrorism across the Sahel and around Lake Chad. These remarks follow a statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reporting that airstrikes attributed to Chadian and Nigerian forces in northeastern Nigeria resulted in dozens of civilian fatalities.

UN calls for independent probes

The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Chadian and Nigerian authorities on Wednesday to conduct swift, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into these incidents. He also called on both countries’ armed forces to take all necessary precautions to prevent civilian harm, stressing that military operations must comply with international humanitarian law. “Civilians and their property must never be targeted,” Volker Türk emphasized.
 

Chad vows to investigate despite denial

While rejecting the allegations outright, the Chadian government maintains it is prepared to conduct its own investigations. Gassim Chérif Mahamat assured that the country possesses an independent judiciary capable of carrying out transparent probes. Nigeria also responded, with its military claiming to have struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold exclusively occupied by non-state armed groups.

Lake Chad basin: a longstanding jihadist hotspot

For over fifteen years, the Lake Chad basin has emerged as one of Africa’s primary jihadist strongholds. This marshland straddling Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad serves as a refuge for Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. Regional militaries conduct frequent operations against these armed groups amid an unstable security landscape.