Chad’s government has firmly rejected United Nations allegations that civilians were killed in airstrikes targeting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing on May 14, officials called for concrete evidence and invited an independent investigation team to verify the claims.

Earlier, the UN had stated that airstrikes allegedly conducted by Nigeria and Chad’s military resulted in around 100 civilian deaths in northeastern Nigeria and Chad, including some during operations against Boko Haram. The UN demanded an immediate investigation.

government spokesperson questions credibility of accusations

Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Chad’s Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, dismissed the allegations as baseless. « We respond with astonishment, » he said. « These serious accusations aim to undermine the credibility of Chad’s military, which stands at the forefront of the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and Lake Chad basin. This is a proven, professional force. »

He emphasized that no civilians or fishermen were present in the targeted zones. « To date, no formal evidence supports these claims, » he added, noting that N’Djamena is fully prepared to « conduct its own inquiries and welcome UN investigators or any international body to conduct transparent, on-the-ground assessments. »

security measures and counter-terrorism strategy in lake Chad region

Gassim Chérif Mahamat recalled that a state of emergency is in place across the region to protect civilians and ensure stability. Security forces remain on high alert, with continuous patrols and operations against armed groups.

He also highlighted the dual approach of Chad’s counter-terrorism strategy: strengthening security while addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities that fuel radicalization. « The state has invested heavily in the region to counter poverty and lack of infrastructure, which extremists exploit for recruitment, » he stated.

« Chad bears the heaviest burden in this fight, » he continued. « Both our civilian population and military forces are constantly mobilized. » He stressed that Chad, though not the only Lake Chad basin country, remains a key partner in regional cooperation with Nigeria to dismantle Boko Haram networks.

He pointed out that recent attacks on Chad’s military positions by Boko Haram on May 4 and 6 left several troops injured and killed, reinforcing N’Djamena’s stance that the jihadist group—not its own forces—is responsible for the violence.