‘In a Slump’

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Chad’s interim President Mahamat Déby Itno threatened this week to withdraw his country from a multinational security force fighting jihadist insurgents in the Lake Chad region, a move that observers said would impact efforts in tackling Boko Haram and other militant groups terrorizing the region, Reuters reported.

Déby made his comments Sunday during a visit to the western region, which borders Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. The visit came days after around 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in a surprise attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

As he was announcing the launch of a military operation against the attackers, the interim leader said he was considering pulling Chad from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional security alliance made up of troops from the countries bordering Lake Chad.

Déby cited “the lack of joint efforts against the common enemy, which is unfortunately always observed on the ground” over his potential decision. He added that the force appeared to be “in a slump.”

The MNJTF’s efforts have been hindered by divisions and a lack of cooperation among its members. Observers noted that Chad’s withdrawal would be a major blow to the 11,000-strong coalition, as the country’s armed forces are among the most respected in the region.

Security issues and militant attacks have plagued the Lake Chad region since Boko Haram began an insurgency in Nigeria in 2009, according to Agence France-Presse.

The United Nations has reported that more than 40,000 people have died and three million have been displaced across the region as a result of the conflict.