Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby has threatened to withdraw the country from a regional security coalition, citing frustrations over its inability to effectively combat insurgent threats in the Lake Chad region. His comments came during a visit to the area on Sunday, where he expressed concerns about the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and its role in addressing armed groups.
Deby’s announcement follows a tragic attack in late October that resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 Chadian soldiers, attributed to suspected Boko Haram militants. This incident underscores the persistent security challenges that plague the region.
The Lake Chad basin, which encompasses Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, has been a focal point for military cooperation, with these nations contributing troops to the MNJTF, established to tackle cross-border insurgency.
During his visit, Deby voiced disappointment over the lack of effective coordination within the MNJTF, criticizing the absence of joint efforts against their common adversaries. He lamented that the force, which was meant to enhance operational efficiency and intelligence sharing, has instead appeared to be faltering.
Chad’s potential withdrawal would be a significant blow to the MNJTF, particularly given the country’s reputation for having a well-trained and capable military. The MNJTF has struggled to unify its strategies amid various operational hurdles.
The Lake Chad region has long been a hotspot for militant violence, with insurgent activities stemming from Boko Haram’s emergence in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. As of now, the governments of Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon have yet to respond to Deby’s statements regarding the future of the coalition.
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