The Chadian government has firmly dismissed United Nations accusations alleging civilian casualties from airstrikes targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing held this Thursday, May 14, officials demanded verifiable evidence and extended an invitation for an independent fact-finding mission.
Earlier, the UN claimed that airstrikes linked to Nigerian and Chadian forces resulted in approximately 100 civilian fatalities in northeastern Nigeria and southwestern Chad, including incidents targeting Boko Haram positions, and urged an immediate investigation.
Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, dismissed the allegations as unfounded. « We respond with astonishment, » he stated. « These grave accusations aim to undermine the Chadian Army, which stands at the forefront of the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and the Lake Chad region. It is a professional force with a proven track record. »
He emphasized that « no civilians or fishermen » were present in the areas targeted by Chadian aircraft. « To date, no concrete evidence supports these claims, » he added. « N’Djamena is prepared to conduct its own investigations and welcomes the UN or any international body to independently assess the situation on the ground. »
The spokesperson reiterated that the ongoing state of emergency in the region is designed to protect and support local populations. Military and security personnel remain deployed around the clock to maintain stability.
He also highlighted that the fight against Boko Haram operates on two fronts: security measures and socio-economic development. « The State has allocated significant resources to counter radicalization fueled by poverty and inadequate infrastructure, » he noted.
« Chad bears the heaviest burden, both in terms of its people and its military, which remains on high alert, » Gassim Chérif Mahamat emphasized. He underscored that Chad is not alone in its efforts, working closely with Nigeria to dismantle the Boko Haram network. « The jihadist group, not our forces, is responsible for the violence, » he firmly stated, referring to recent attacks on Chadian positions on May 4 and May 6 that left several dead and wounded.
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