The Chadian government has firmly denied accusations that it intentionally targeted civilians during recent military operations against Boko Haram jihadists in the Lake Chad region. This statement follows reports of multiple fatalities resulting from airstrikes conducted by both Chad and Nigeria last week, which have prompted calls from the United Nations’ rights chief for independent investigations into the incidents.
Local sources reported that as many as 40 fishermen, who were present on the lake during the bombings, have been unaccounted for, raising concerns about the safety of non-combatants caught in the crossfire. In response, Chad’s Minister of Communication, Gassim Cherif Mahamat, addressed the media, asserting that allegations of civilian targeting are attempts to undermine the integrity of the Chadian military.
Mahamat emphasized the professionalism and dedication of the Chadian armed forces in their ongoing fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel and Lake Chad basin. He conveyed the government’s readiness to initiate investigations into these incidents but reiterated that Boko Haram continues to terrorize local communities.
The Nigerian army also addressed the situation, confirming that their operations were aimed specifically at jihadist targets in the lake area, which shares borders with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
Chad’s Minister expressed a commitment to transparency, stating that the state is prepared to conduct thorough investigations, leveraging its independent judiciary and capable institutions to ensure fairness in the inquiry process. The ongoing conflict in the region, which has persisted since 2009, has also seen violence from a breakaway faction known as the Islamic State in West Africa Province, further complicating the security landscape.
