Civilians killed in lake Chad strikes: Chad denies un allegations

The Chadian government has firmly rejected allegations of civilian casualties in recent airstrikes along Lake Chad, labeling the claims as attempts to undermine national defense efforts against terrorism in the region.

Gassim Chérif Mahamat, government spokesperson and communication minister, addressed the media on Thursday, stating: “These accusations are designed to tarnish the reputation of the Chadian Armed Forces and undermine their dignity. Our troops operate with professionalism at the forefront of counterterrorism operations in the Sahel and across the Lake Chad basin.”

United Nations calls for urgent investigations

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a statement on Wednesday demanding “independent” probes into the bombings, which are alleged to have killed dozens in Nigeria’s northeastern region. “It is essential that Nigerian and Chadian authorities conduct swift, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into these disturbing incidents,” he emphasized in an official release.

The Nigerian military countered these claims, asserting that their strikes targeted a confirmed terrorist stronghold occupied exclusively by armed non-state actors posing a direct threat to civilians.

N’Djamena vows transparency in response to accusations

Reaffirming their commitment to openness, Chadian authorities reiterated their willingness to investigate while condemning Boko Haram for destabilizing vulnerable communities in the Lake Chad area. “In a spirit of full transparency, the Chadian state is prepared to conduct inquiries. We possess an independent judiciary and robust institutions capable of conducting transparent investigations,” Mr. Mahamat explained.

Mr. Türk also urged both countries’ armed forces to “take all possible precautions to avoid civilian casualties,” stressing that military operations must comply with international humanitarian law and human rights standards. “Civilians and their property must never be targeted,” he warned.

Since 2009, the Lake Chad region—shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad—has become a jihadist stronghold, hosting both Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.