N’Djamena has firmly refuted allegations made by the United Nations concerning civilian casualties reportedly sustained during aerial operations targeting Boko Haram within the Lake Chad basin. During a press briefing on Thursday, May 14, officials demanded substantiating evidence and extended an invitation for an independent investigative mission to visit the region.

The UN had previously asserted on Sunday that airstrikes, reportedly carried out by Nigerian and Chadian forces, were responsible for approximately one hundred civilian fatalities across northeastern Nigeria and Chad. These alleged deaths, some occurring during anti-Boko Haram operations, prompted the international body to call for an immediate inquiry.

Gassim Chérif Mahamat, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, characterized these accusations as entirely unfounded. “We express our astonishment at these claims,” he stated. “Such serious allegations appear designed to discredit the Chadian Army, despite its pivotal role on the front lines against terrorism throughout the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin. Our army is a professional force with a proven track record.”

He maintained that the areas targeted by Chadian aircraft contained “neither civilians nor fishermen.” He further emphasized, “Currently, no formal evidence supports these accusations.” Mahamat underscored N’Djamena’s willingness to “conduct its own investigations and to welcome the United Nations or any other international body to the field to carry out independent inquiries.”

The spokesperson reiterated that the ongoing state of emergency in the affected zone is specifically implemented to safeguard the security and welfare of its inhabitants. Military and security forces are continuously deployed there to ensure stability.

He also highlighted that the comprehensive strategy to combat Boko Haram is built upon two fundamental pillars: robust security measures and significant socio-economic development. He explained that the state has made substantial investments in the region, aiming to counteract the radicalization often exacerbated by poverty and inadequate infrastructure.

“Chad bears the heaviest burden, both through its population and its constantly mobilized army,” Gassim Chérif Mahamat stressed. He reminded listeners that Chad is not the sole riparian state of Lake Chad and actively collaborates with Nigeria in the ongoing fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

On May 4 and 6, the jihadist group launched assaults on Chadian Army positions, resulting in numerous casualties. N’Djamena firmly asserts that Boko Haram is solely responsible for these violent acts, not the Chadian Army.