Chad’s government announced on Tuesday that hundreds of Boko Haram militants have crossed into neighboring Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria, following intense clashes over the weekend. The confrontations between Chadian forces and Boko Haram fighters resulted in the deaths of over 100 militants and nearly 20 Chadian soldiers.
According to Chad’s state television, military operations against Boko Haram strongholds have continued in the wake of the deadly battle that took place in the Lake Chad region. In that engagement, 20 Chadian soldiers were killed, and 32 others sustained injuries. Government sources confirmed that around 100 militants were killed, with several others wounded, during the weekend’s fighting.
Earlier this month, Chad’s military launched an operation aimed at dismantling Boko Haram’s presence around Lake Chad. President Mahamat Idriss Deby described the operation, named Haskanite, as a response to the killing of 40 Chadian soldiers in October, as well as an effort to enhance security for civilians in the region.
However, President Deby revealed last week that the armed forces of Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria, who contribute troops to a regional anti-terrorism task force, have opted not to collaborate with Chad’s operation. While these claims have not been officially confirmed by the three countries, Chad’s government insists the decision reflects a lack of coordinated effort against Boko Haram.
Cameroon’s military has stated its focus remains on securing the country’s borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens. President Deby, in turn, has signaled plans to withdraw Chad’s troops from the multinational force, citing frustrations over the lack of coordination in the regional response to Boko Haram.
Strategic analyst Remadji Hoinathy emphasized the need for Chad’s neighbors to join the fight, as Boko Haram’s fighters are known to infiltrate areas in Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria. He warned that militants escaping Chadian operations may find refuge in these countries, only to return later and resume their violent activities.
The exact timeline for Chad’s potential withdrawal from the United Nations-backed joint task force remains unclear. Local political groups have expressed surprise at the lack of response from the multinational force to Chad’s withdrawal threat, as well as the absence of any efforts to collaborate on the ongoing offensive.
Hisseine Abdoulaye, spokesperson for The Patriots, a political party in Chad, voiced opposition to the planned withdrawal, stressing that Chad’s military alone cannot prevent Boko Haram from continuing its attacks.
Since Boko Haram’s insurgency began in Nigeria in 2009, the conflict has spread to neighboring countries, resulting in over 40,000 deaths and displacing more than 3 million people, according to United Nations estimates.
