Chad Declares National Mourning After Deadly Boko Haram Attacks Kill Soldiers
Authorities in Chad have announced three days of national mourning following deadly attacks linked to Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region.
The decision comes after multiple assaults targeted Chadian military positions earlier this week, leaving dozens of soldiers dead and several others injured.
According to government authorities, the mourning period began at midnight on May 6 and will continue until May 9.
During this time, national flags are to be flown at half-mast, while public celebrations and entertainment activities have been suspended across the country.
Officials also directed media outlets and places of worship to limit broadcasts and gatherings to prayers and religious content in honour of the fallen soldiers.
One of the deadliest attacks occurred on May 4 when suspected Boko Haram fighters stormed a Chadian army base on Barka Tolorom Island in the Lake Chad area.
Military authorities confirmed that at least 23 soldiers lost their lives, while 26 others sustained injuries during the assault.
Reacting to the incident, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno praised the slain troops for their sacrifice, insisting that their deaths would not be forgotten.
In a public statement, the president said Chad would remain united and resolute despite the continued threat posed by terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin.
Authorities also referenced another attack that reportedly occurred on May 6, though details surrounding the incident have not yet been fully disclosed.
Boko Haram, the extremist group founded in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, has continued to launch attacks across countries surrounding the Lake Chad Basin, including Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria.
The latest attacks once again highlight the persistent security challenges facing the region despite ongoing military operations by affected countries.
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