By HeapNews
Following a deadly assault by Boko Haram on the Chadian National Army’s position in Barkaram, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has taken decisive action by establishing a command center near Lake Chad to personally lead a response to the attack. The President’s presence in the region reflects Chad’s commitment to combating terrorist threats and securing its borders amid escalating regional instability.
Arriving on the scene shortly after the attack, President Déby surveyed the destruction and honored fallen soldiers, conducting burials for those lost while defending Chad. He instructed the immediate care and treatment of the wounded and laid out a three-point response strategy to address the crisis, which has raised concerns about security coordination in the region.
Launching Operation Haskanite
One of the primary objectives is the launch of “Operation Haskanite,” a mission to pursue Boko Haram fighters and eradicate any remaining cells hiding in the Lake Chad area. President Déby described the operation as essential for honoring those who lost their lives and for eliminating the ongoing threat from extremist factions.
Strengthening Military Capabilities
In addition to this, the Chadian leader announced a reorganization of the military’s tactical capabilities, focusing on enhanced intelligence, logistics, mobility, and communications. These upgrades are aimed at providing Chad’s defense forces with the tools necessary to counter the asymmetric tactics employed by terrorist groups and to prevent future attacks in volatile regions like Barkaram and Bohoma.
Considering Withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force
President Déby also signaled that Chad may reconsider its participation in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), an alliance established to unify regional efforts against extremist groups. The President expressed frustration over the lack of coordinated support on the ground, which has weakened the collective fight against a shared enemy.
As the Chadian President reinforced his commitment to the security of Chad and its citizens, he reaffirmed Chad’s dedication to combating terrorism, while stressing that Chad would fulfill its international obligations in the global fight against extremist violence.