“Chad Warns of Possible Exit from Key Regional Security Force”

Chad’s interim President, Mahamat Idriss Deby, has recently threatened to withdraw from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional security coalition of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad.

His remarks follow an attack in October by suspected Boko Haram militants in which approximately 40 Chadian soldiers lost their lives.

Deby criticized the MNJTF’s lack of coordinated efforts and inefficiency in countering insurgent activities, particularly around Lake Chad, where Boko Haram and other militant groups have destabilized the region.

Deby expressed frustration over internal divisions and insufficient cooperation among MNJTF members, noting that joint military efforts have not been effectively unified to tackle the insurgency threat.

He argued that the current lack of coordination weakens their collective security, even as the coalition was originally formed to share intelligence and resources to combat insurgent activities.

Chad’s potential exit could be significant, as its military is among the region’s strongest and has contributed considerable resources to the force.

The MNJTF’s structure and functionality now face scrutiny, and neighboring countries are under pressure to respond to Chad’s criticisms. Chad’s possible withdrawal raises concerns about the security coalition’s future, as the MNJTF has been critical in maintaining some level of regional stability in areas vulnerable to extremist attacks. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in multinational defense collaborations against insurgencies in Central Africa.