In a stark announcement following the tragic loss of 40 soldiers in a recent attack attributed to Boko Haram militants, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby has signaled a potential withdrawal of Chad from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional coalition aimed at combating insurgent threats in the Lake Chad area. This decision underscores growing frustrations over the coalition's effectiveness and cooperation among member nations.
During a visit to the Lake Chad region on Sunday, President Déby expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing security challenges and the lack of coordinated efforts among the MNJTF member states, which include Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. He emphasized that the coalition has not delivered on its promise to effectively combat the common enemy posed by extremist groups operating in the area. “The absence of collective actions against our shared adversary is unfortunately a consistent observation on the ground,” Déby stated. “This force, established to combine efforts and intelligence, appears to be experiencing a downturn.”
The recent attack on a Chadian military base on Barkaram Island represents one of the most severe losses for Chadian forces in recent years. Local sources indicate that Boko Haram militants were likely responsible for this assault, which has raised alarms about the safety and operational capacity of Chadian troops in the region.
President Déby’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment within Chad regarding the effectiveness of international military collaborations. He noted that internal divisions and insufficient cooperation have hindered progress against insurgent.
Activities the potential withdrawal from the MNJTF could significantly impact regional security efforts, as Chad's military is recognized for its strength and experience in countering terrorism in West Africa.