Chad’s enduring battle against Boko Haram under Déby Itno and Doro

The conflict between Chad and the Boko Haram insurgency, led by Bakura Doro, has stretched into a relentless war of attrition under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. What began as sporadic attacks has evolved into a protracted campaign of violence, testing the resilience of both military forces and civilian populations along the country’s borders.

The roots of a prolonged conflict

The origins of this crisis trace back to the early 2000s, when Boko Haram first emerged in northeastern Nigeria. Over time, the group’s influence expanded into neighboring Chad, exploiting porous borders and weak governance to launch raids, ambushes, and suicide bombings. Déby Itno’s administration has faced the dual challenge of combating terrorism while stabilizing a region plagued by instability.

Military strategy and regional tensions

Chad’s military response has been characterized by aggressive counterinsurgency operations, often involving cross-border raids into Nigeria and Cameroon. Déby Itno’s forces have relied on rapid mobilization and intelligence-driven strikes to dismantle Boko Haram cells. However, the group’s decentralized structure, including splinter factions loyal to the Islamic State, has made eradication difficult.

Regional cooperation has been crucial, with Chad collaborating closely with neighboring countries to share intelligence and coordinate security efforts. Yet, logistical hurdles and political disagreements have occasionally hindered these joint operations, allowing the insurgency to regroup and strike back.

The human toll of a never-ending war

Civilian communities bear the brunt of this conflict. Entire villages have been displaced, their homes and livelihoods destroyed by relentless violence. The psychological impact on families—particularly women and children—has been profound, with many left in a state of perpetual fear. Humanitarian organizations warn of a growing crisis, as aid delivery becomes increasingly perilous.

Economic strain and governance challenges

The war has also taken a severe economic toll on Chad. Scarce resources are diverted from development projects to fund military operations, stalling progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Déby Itno’s government has struggled to balance the demands of security with the needs of a population already grappling with poverty and climate-induced hardships.

The insurgency’s persistence underscores the fragility of regional stability. Without sustained international support and a cohesive regional strategy, the cycle of violence threatens to deepen, leaving Chad—and the wider Sahel—trapped in a cycle of instability.

As the conflict grinds on, one question looms large: Can Chad emerge victorious, or will this war of attrition continue to define the nation’s future?