The Republic of Egypt has pledged its support and cooperation to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and enhance regional security in the Lake Chad Basin.
The pledge was made during a courtesy visit to MNJTF Headquarters by Egypt’s Ambassador to the Republic of Chad, His Excellency Ambassador Tarek Youssef, accompanied by the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Chad and Sudan, Staff Colonel Ahmed Gamal El-Barbary.
Ambassador Youssef described the MNJTF as a model security framework worthy of support and replication, commending the Force’s role in addressing terrorism across contiguous countries in the Lake Chad Basin. He also sought clarifications on the operational command structure governing troops contributed by member states.
Speaking during the visit, Staff Colonel El-Barbary expressed Egypt’s readiness to facilitate assistance to the MNJTF through training, equipment support and enhanced operational cooperation. He noted the longstanding cordial relationship between Egypt and nationals of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, reaffirming his country’s commitment to supporting the Force.
In response, the Force Commander of the MNJTF, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, thanked the Ambassador and Defence Attaché for what he described as a “double-headed” visit, reflecting both diplomatic and military engagement. He welcomed Egypt’s interest in supporting the MNJTF to effectively deliver on its mandate.
Major General Audu highlighted key achievements of the MNJTF, including significant degradation of Boko Haram terrorist elements and the facilitation of the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their ancestral communities.
He also traced the evolution of the MNJTF from its formative years to its adoption by the African Union as a model force established to counter shared security challenges among member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. Acknowledging Egypt’s experience in addressing security threats in the Sahel, the MNJTF Commander said the Force would leverage Egypt’s expertise, particularly in intelligence sharing, counter-improvised explosive device operations and unmanned aerial vehicle jamming capabilities.
