Chad threatens exit from regional group following attack
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby has warned that his country may withdraw from a regional security coalition, according to Africa News and agencies.
Deby, whose remarks came during a visit to Lake Chad on November 3rd, cited frustration over the effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force, or MNJTF, in countering the the threat of insurgents in the region.
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The announcement followed an attack in late October that killed around 40 Chadian soldiers, as reported by Reuters. The attack was reportedly carried out by people with suspected links to Boko Haram.
The Lake Chad basin borders Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, all of whom contribute troops to the MNJTF, which was created to counter insurgent activity across the borders of these countries.
Criticizing the force, Deby pointed to “a lack of joint efforts against the common enemy.” He argued that the MNJTF, which was intended to streamline operations and intelligence-sharing, has instead “seemed to be in a slump.”
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The withdrawal of Chad, a country whose military has a high reputation, would be a major setback for the MNJFT. At this time, none of Nigeria, Niger or Cameroon have commented on Deby’s statement.
Africa News and agencies, Reuters
