Following a violent Boko Haram assault that claimed the lives of Chadian soldiers, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing Chad’s forces from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The recent attack, which targeted a Chadian National Army post in Barkaram on October 27, 2024, has intensified scrutiny on the regional coalition’s efforts to combat the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram across the Lake Chad Basin.
President Deby, who arrived at the front lines on October 28, has been actively overseeing military responses and providing support for his troops.
In a press release issued by the Director General of Communication for the Chadian Presidency, Hassan Abdelkerim Bouyëbri, Deby expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as “a lack of unified action against Boko Haram,” suggesting that Chad may reconsider its commitment to the MNJTF if operational coordination doesn’t improve.
While visiting the Lake Chad region, President Deby took swift action to address the morale of his forces and the security of the region.
He supervised the burial of fallen soldiers, organized medical support for the wounded, and established a local command center to oversee immediate counter-operations.
His strategy included launching Operation Haskanite, which aims to locate and eliminate remaining Boko Haram elements. Additionally, he announced a reorganization of Chad’s defense forces, designed to counter the insurgents’ unconventional tactics and better protect the nation’s borders.
Despite contemplating a withdrawal, Deby underscored Chad’s commitment to securing its borders and citizens, affirming that his administration is determined to maintain Chad’s defensive stance against regional terrorism.
However, his frustrations with the MNJTF suggest an urgent need for increased coalition coordination and responsiveness.
The MNJTF, which includes troops from Benin Republic, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, was created to address growing insecurity in the Lake Chad region, primarily stemming from the Boko Haram insurgency.
Established in 1994 and restructured in 2012 to counter regional terrorism, the coalition faces new challenges as countries navigate evolving security threats.
Chad’s potential departure could affect the balance and effectiveness of the MNJTF, underscoring the importance of strong alliances to confront militant threats across borders.
As Chad assesses its role, regional leaders and defense experts are now closely watching for signs of recalibrated strategies in the MNJTF’s operations, which could have far-reaching impacts on the Lake Chad Basin’s stability.