Chad has declared three days of national mourning after deadly Boko Haram attacks in the Lake Chad Basin killed at least 24 soldiers and two generals earlier this week. Flags will be flown at half-mast and all festive activities suspended until May 9, as the government honors fallen troops.
On May 4, Boko Haram militants assaulted the Barka Tolorom military base on the Chadian shore of Lake Chad, killing at least 24 soldiers and injuring several others. Two days later, on May 6, security and defense boats patrolling the lake’s islands were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of two generals. The attacks highlight the resurgence of Boko Haram factions, particularly Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, which has increased kidnappings and assaults on military positions in recent months.
The mourning period runs from May 6 at midnight to May 9 at midnight. During this time, flags will be flown at half-mast nationwide, all festive and celebratory activities are banned, and only religious music and prayers are permitted in media and places of worship.
The Lake Chad Basin remains one of Africa’s most volatile security zones, straddling Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. Since 2009, Boko Haram and its rival faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, have used the area’s islands and marshlands as strongholds. Chad has previously launched military campaigns, including Operation Haskanite in 2024 and 2025, aimed at dismantling Boko Haram’s capacity to operate within its territory.
The loss of two generals is seen as a major blow to Chad’s command structure in the region. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno vowed to continue the fight “with renewed determination until this threat is completely eradicated.” Analysts warn that the resurgence of Boko Haram could destabilize neighboring countries, including Nigeria, where the group originated.
