Chad’s government rejects UN allegations over civilian casualties in Boko Haram strikes
N’Djamena has firmly dismissed accusations from the United Nations regarding civilian fatalities incurred during aerial operations targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. During a press briefing held on Thursday, May 14, government officials demanded tangible evidence and extended an invitation for an independent investigative mission to be deployed.
On Sunday, the UN reported that airstrikes allegedly conducted by Nigerian and Chadian forces may have resulted in approximately 100 civilian deaths in northeastern Nigeria and Chad, with some incidents linked to operations against Boko Haram. The organization called for an immediate inquiry into the claims.
Government response
Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, dismissed the allegations as baseless. « We respond with surprise, » he stated. « These serious accusations are an attempt to undermine the credibility of the Chadian Armed Forces, despite their proven track record as frontline defenders against terrorism across the Sahel and Lake Chad basin. This is a highly professional army that has demonstrated its effectiveness time and again. »
He further emphasized that « there were neither civilians nor fishermen » in the areas targeted by Chadian aerial operations. « To date, no concrete evidence supports these claims, » he added, noting that N’Djamena is prepared to conduct its own investigations and welcomes the participation of the United Nations or any other international body to facilitate on-the-ground, impartial inquiries. »
Security measures and humanitarian commitments
The spokesperson highlighted the ongoing state of emergency in the region, designed to safeguard both security and civilian welfare. Military and security personnel remain permanently deployed to counter threats and protect residents.
He underscored that the fight against Boko Haram is twofold: addressing immediate security challenges while tackling root causes such as poverty and inadequate infrastructure. Substantial state investments have been allocated to the region to curb radicalization and improve living conditions.
« Chad bears the heaviest burden in this conflict, » Gassim Chérif Mahamat stressed, « both in terms of human life and military commitment. » He reiterated the country’s collaborative stance with Nigeria, emphasizing that it is not the sole Lake Chad basin nation engaged in combating the jihadist group.
Recent attacks and ongoing threats
On May 4 and 6, Boko Haram launched attacks on Chadian military positions, resulting in multiple casualties. N’Djamena maintains that the violence stems directly from the terrorist group’s actions, not from its own forces.
