What's happened
Following a deadly attack by Boko Haram that killed at least 40 Chadian soldiers, President Mahamat Idriss Deby has declared a three-day national mourning period and launched a military operation named 'Haskanite' to eliminate the jihadist group from the Lake Chad region.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to All Africa, President Mahamat Idriss Deby announced the launch of 'Haskanite' after visiting the site of the attack, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and eliminate Boko Haram fighters. The South China Morning Post highlighted the strategic challenges posed by the Lake Chad region, where jihadist groups frequently operate. Meanwhile, The Independent noted the historical context of Boko Haram's insurgency and its impact on regional stability, underscoring the urgency of military action. These perspectives illustrate the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the necessity for coordinated regional efforts.
How we got here
Chad has faced ongoing violence from Boko Haram since the group's insurgency began in Nigeria in 2009. Recent attacks have reignited fears of instability in the Lake Chad area, prompting military responses from the Chadian government.
More on these topics
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The Islamic State in West Africa or the Islamic State's West Africa Province, formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād and commonly known as Boko Haram, is a jihadist terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria, also active
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Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in north-central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the south-west, Nigeria to the southwest, and