The Chadian government has firmly rejected accusations from the United Nations alleging civilian casualties in airstrikes conducted against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing held on Thursday, May 14, officials demanded concrete evidence and offered to host an independent investigation team.
On Sunday, the UN reported that airstrikes attributed to Nigerian and Chadian forces had resulted in approximately one hundred civilian deaths in the northeastern region of Nigeria and Chad. Some of these casualties allegedly occurred during operations targeting Boko Haram, prompting calls for an official inquiry.
Government responds with strong denial
Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, dismissed the allegations as unfounded. “We respond with genuine surprise, he stated. These serious accusations appear designed to undermine the Chadian Army, which remains at the forefront of the anti-terrorism fight across the Sahel and Lake Chad basin. This is a highly professional force with a proven track record of success.“
He emphasized that the targeted areas saw no civilians or fishermen present during the Chadian Air Force operations. “As of now, no formal evidence supports these claims,” he added. N’Djamena is fully prepared to conduct its own investigations and welcomes the UN or any other international body to conduct independent probes on the ground.“
Security and socio-economic efforts highlighted
The spokesperson underscored that the ongoing state of emergency in the region is designed to protect civilian lives and ensure their well-being. Military and security personnel remain permanently deployed to maintain order and prevent further threats.
The government also stressed that the fight against Boko Haram operates on two fronts: security measures and socio-economic development. Significant state investments have been made in the area to combat radicalization fueled by poverty and inadequate infrastructure.
Chad bears the heaviest burden, as repeatedly emphasized by Gassim Chérif Mahamat. The country has suffered significant losses, both in human and military resources, due to its relentless commitment to the regional struggle against the jihadist group. Chad is not alone in this fight; it works closely with Nigeria as a key partner in neutralizing Boko Haram’s threat.
On May 4 and 6, the terrorist group launched attacks on Chadian military positions, resulting in multiple casualties. N’Djamena firmly attributes these violent incidents to Boko Haram, not to its own forces.