ICC Note: Chad has declared a state of emergency in the Lake Chad region stemming from recent suicide attacks by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram. Since the insurgency began, Boko Haram has mainly operated within the borders of Nigeria but have ventured out in the surrounding regions, specifically Chad. Chadian ministers believe a state of emergency for the region is essential if they are to combat the terrorist group. Controlling people’s movements in the area is vital to determine whether any future attacks may be planned. The Anti-Christian Islamic group has been the main target of an African task force comprised of the countries of Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad who has been very instrumental in fighting Boko Haram.
11/10/2015 Chad (BBC) – Chad has declared a state of emergency in the Lake Chad region after attacks by Boko Haram militants from Nigeria.
The decision came after at least two people were killed in a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomb attack.
Ministers say sweeping powers to control people’s movements are needed because the area, which borders Nigeria, is targeted by the militants.
Chad has been instrumental in helping Nigeria retake most of the areas Boko Haram had seized in northern Nigeria.
But in the last few months, the group has intensified attacks in remote areas around Lake Chad.
Boko Haram is suspected of involvement in the killing of at least two people in a village in Chad on Sunday and three Nigerian refugees in northern Cameroon on Monday.
The state of emergency will give the governor of the region the authority to ban the movement of people and vehicles, search homes and recover arms, the government announced following an extraordinary cabinet meeting.
