By Djinodji SOLMENGAR Rodrigue
Chad’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Brah Mahamat, has called for stronger regional cooperation against terrorism.
He also urged the swift launch of Operation Lake Sanity III in the Lake Chad Basin.
Mr. Brah Mahamat spoke during a retreat for ambassadors and high commissioners from Sahel and Lake Chad Basin countries. The meeting took place in Maiduguri, Borno State, on August 8–9, 2026.
Chad reaffirms regional security commitment
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the retreat. It focused on insecurity, illegal migration and other transnational crimes.
The meeting also examined development opportunities across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
Mr. Brah Mahamat reaffirmed Chad’s commitment to the Multinational Joint Task Force, or MNJTF.
He called for stronger cooperation despite divisions between regional blocs, including CEMAC, ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States.
The ambassador said terrorist groups can exploit gaps between countries and regional security arrangements.
He also stressed that military action alone cannot defeat terrorism. He called for economic measures to address poverty and strengthen trade.
Lake Chad trade and security
Mahamat stressed the impact of insecurity on regional trade.
He said hundreds of goods vehicles had been set on fire along the Maiduguri–Gamboru corridor.
He also called for efforts to reopen the Lake Chad waterway and restore trade across the region.
The ambassador welcomed Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s recent state visit to Nigeria.
He said the two sides had agreed on the forthcoming launch of Operation Lake Sanity III.
Brah Mahamat called for the operation to be implemented without delay.
The retreat also included visits to development projects in Borno State. The projects aim to improve living conditions for communities affected by terrorism.
Chad said it remains ready to support efforts to strengthen security, freedom of movement and regional cooperation.
