Chad's interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby has threatened to withdraw the Central African country from a multinational security force, which he said had failed in its task of tackling insurgent groups in the Lake Chad region.
Deby made the statement on Sunday during a visit to the region, which sits in part of western Chad and also Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. Around 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in an attack there by suspected Boko Haram militants in late October.
Announcing the launch of an operation against the attackers, Deby said he was considering withdrawing from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), made up of troops from the countries bordering Lake Chad.
The joint force's work has been complicated by divisions and a lack of cooperation, but the withdrawal of Chad would represent a major blow as its armed forces are among the most respected in the region.
Deby cited "the lack of joint efforts against the common enemy, which is unfortunately always observed on the ground. This force - created with the aim of pooling efforts and intelligence - seems to be in a slump."
The Lake Chad region has been repeatedly attacked by insurgencies, including by Islamic State militants in West Africa and Boko Haram, which erupted in northeast Nigeria in 2009 and spread to the west of Chad.
There was no immediate comment from Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.
Latest Stories
-
Lamens flouted some food safety laws in re-bagging rice – Former FDA Boss Alhaji Hudu Mogtari
12 mins -
Afcon exit: Our issue is administrative failure and mismanagement, not lack of talent – Saddick Adams
32 mins -
WAPCo to commence major pipeline maintenance and inspection from November 25
38 mins -
Power crisis: Amandi is off due to maintenance, not debt – ECG Boss
1 hour -
Votes cast for late Akua Donkor to be declared invalid – Electoral Commission
1 hour -
You can’t keep “incompetent” Otto Addo for the long term – Countryman Songo
2 hours -
Joy FM holds 2024 Prayer Summit for Peace
2 hours -
Lady sues Police and AG over assault in custody
3 hours -
Ghana’s railway sector has been revived under my leadership – Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
Next government must enforce C190 – Women Economic Dialogue Forum
3 hours -
NCCE engages party youth activists at Nandom on peaceful election
3 hours -
SSNIT engages stakeholders on its operations
3 hours -
Defilement: 19-year-old farmer jailed ten years, with hard labour
3 hours -
Bawumia to inaugurate new headquarters of Lands Commission on November 25
3 hours -
Sylvester Tetteh denies demolishing GBC staff bungalow
4 hours