Chad’s interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby has expressed intent to withdraw from a key regional security force, citing failures in combating insurgencies in the Lake Chad region.
During a visit to the area on Sunday, Deby criticized the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) for its inability to address the ongoing threat of insurgent groups. The Lake Chad region, which spans parts of Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, has been a frequent target of militant groups, including Boko Haram.
In late October, suspected Boko Haram militants killed around 40 Chadian soldiers, prompting Deby’s harsh assessment of the task force’s effectiveness. He announced plans to launch a military operation against the attackers while reconsidering Chad’s participation in the MNJTF.
Deby voiced frustration over the lack of coordination and cooperation among member states, stating that “the force – created with the aim of pooling efforts and intelligence – seems to be in a slump.” Chad’s potential withdrawal would significantly impact regional security, as its military is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the area.
The MNJTF, established to combat insurgent threats in the Lake Chad region, has struggled with internal divisions and insufficient collaboration, according to Deby. His statements reflect growing concern over the worsening situation, as insurgencies like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa continue to destabilize the region.
At the time of Deby’s announcement, there had been no immediate response from the other nations involved in the joint security effort: Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.
