Chad’s interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby has warned that his country may withdraw from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional security coalition intended to combat insurgent groups around Lake Chad.
During a recent visit to the region, Deby criticized the force for failing to effectively counter these groups and announced a new operation to target militants responsible for a recent attack that killed 40 Chadian soldiers.
Deby cited a lack of coordination within the task force, which includes Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, noting that its intended purpose of pooling intelligence and resources had faltered.
The loss of Chad’s participation would significantly impact the MNJTF, as Chad’s military is considered one of the strongest in the region.
The Lake Chad region remains a hotspot for insurgencies, including those by Boko Haram and Islamic State militants.
There has been no immediate response from the governments of Nigeria, Niger, or Cameroon regarding Chad’s potential withdrawal.