Africa-Press. Authorities in Chad continue to tighten security measures in the Lake region, located in the western part of the country, after parliament approved an extension of the state of emergency for an additional 90 days.
This decision comes amid a rise in attacks carried out by the group Boko Haram and affiliated armed organizations against military and security sites, coinciding with extensive military operations conducted by N’Djamena to enhance its presence in the border area shared with Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.
According to local media, the Chadian parliament approved the extension of the state of emergency in the Lake Chad region during a session held at the Palace of Democracy (the parliament’s headquarters) in the capital, N’Djamena.
Official data indicates that the decision was adopted unanimously, with 237 deputies voting in favor of the extension without any objections or abstentions.
The Chadian government states that the extension aims to grant security and military forces exceptional powers to help them confront the increasing threats posed by armed groups, especially with the recurrence of attacks on military sites and villages near the border.
The extension decision followed weeks of escalating armed attacks claimed by elements linked to Boko Haram, targeting Chadian military sites in the Lake region, resulting in casualties among the army.
Earlier, authorities had announced a 20-day state of emergency following a violent attack on the “Baraka Tolorom” military base located on one of the islands in the lake, where bloody clashes erupted between government forces and militants.
According to official reports, that attack resulted in the deaths of at least 23 soldiers and injuries to 26 others, before government forces began extensive search operations in the area, alongside enhancing military deployment and tightening security oversight.
The region also witnessed another attack just two days later, resulting in additional military casualties, prompting authorities to declare a national mourning period of three days, amid official commitments to continue the fight against extremist groups.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby previously affirmed that his country “will not back down in the face of terrorism,” pledging to continue military operations until the armed threats are completely eradicated.
The extension of the state of emergency grants Chadian authorities exceptional powers, including imposing restrictions on movement within certain sensitive areas, conducting extensive searches and raids, as well as tightening border controls and monitoring suspicious movements.
The measures also include imposing curfews in certain areas and restricting the use of speedboats and motorcycles, with the possibility of detaining suspects and placing them in preventive custody as part of the counter-terrorism measures.
In recent months, authorities have also carried out operations to deport foreigners without official documents, alongside imposing intensive security oversight on movements within the region, as part of what the government describes as a proactive plan to prevent any retaliatory operations or new infiltration by armed elements.
Alongside the extension of the state of emergency, Chadian authorities announced a change in military operations leadership in the Lake region, with General Baharaldin Suleiman Ahmed taking command of operations, succeeding General Moussa Anwar Daoud, who held the position for nearly two years.
The leadership handover ceremony was attended by several senior military and administrative officials, led by General Mohamed Suleiman Ali and the government’s general delegate General Saleh Haqar Tijani.
Officials during the ceremony emphasized the importance of enhancing intelligence work and coordination with local communities in confronting armed groups, amid growing concerns about the ability of extremist organizations to reorganize within the geographically complex border areas.
The Lake Chad region represents one of the most complex security areas on the African continent, due to the overlapping borders of four countries: Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, in addition to the rugged geographical nature that includes islands and dense waterways that are difficult to monitor completely.
Since 2009, the region has become a primary theater for the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa, as armed groups exploit the fragility of borders and the challenging terrain to carry out swift attacks against government forces and local populations.
Additionally, smuggling networks and irregular movement, along with poverty, weak development, and lack of basic services, have created a suitable environment for the movements of armed groups and the recruitment of some local elements.
Despite Chad’s participation in the multinational joint force to combat terrorism in the Lake Basin, security challenges remain, amid the expanding scope of cross-border threats and the declining logistical capabilities of some regional armies.
Chad is one of the most militarily engaged countries in combating extremist groups in the Sahel region, relied upon by Western and African countries as a primary military force with extensive experience in desert warfare and counterinsurgency.
However, the continuation of recent attacks indicates that a complete military resolution remains distant, especially with the ability of armed groups to take advantage of the complex geographical nature and security vacuums in border areas.
Furthermore, the escalation of regional tensions in Sudan, Niger, and northern Nigeria adds further pressure on the security situation in Chad, increasing the likelihood of fighters and weapons crossing relatively open borders.
Despite broad political support for security measures, growing concerns arise regarding the humanitarian and economic repercussions of prolonging the state of emergency for extended periods.
A large number of residents in the Lake region rely on fishing, local trade, and movement through waterways, which are directly affected by movement restrictions, travel bans, and tightened security measures.
Recent attacks have also temporarily disrupted some humanitarian activities, after several NGOs suspended their operations in the region due to the deteriorating security situation.
Local residents fear that prolonged restrictions will exacerbate living conditions and increase displacement rates, especially in villages near conflict areas.
In contrast, Chadian authorities assert that the current priority is to restore stability and prevent armed groups from expanding their operations, considering that exceptional measures are necessary at this sensitive stage.
