Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno unequivocally stated his government’s resolve, declaring on May 5th through Facebook: « We will persist in this struggle with renewed determination, until this menace is completely eradicated. »

This firm declaration came in response to a brutal attack launched the previous day by an affiliate of the armed Islamist group, Boko Haram. The assault targeted the Barka Tolorom military base, located on the Chadian shoreline of Lake Chad, tragically resulting in the deaths of 24 soldiers.