The Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt has pledged its support and cooperation to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the ongoing fight against terrorism and transnational security threats in the Lake Chad Basin.
The pledge was made when Egypt’s Ambassador to the Republic of Chad, His Excellency Tarek Youssef, accompanied by Egypt’s Defence Attaché to Chad and Sudan, Ahmed Gamal El-Barbary, paid a courtesy visit to the MNJTF Headquarters.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Youssef described the MNJTF as a model multinational force worthy of support and replication, commending its sustained efforts in addressing terrorism across contiguous nations within the Lake Chad Basin region. He also sought clarifications on the operational command structure of troops contributed by member countries.
In his remarks, Colonel El-Barbary expressed Egypt’s readiness to facilitate assistance to the MNJTF, particularly in training, equipment support, and enhanced operational cooperation. He noted the cordial relationship Egypt enjoys with nationals of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the Force.
Responding, the Force Commander of the MNJTF, Saidu Tanko Audu, appreciated the visit, describing it as a significant demonstration of goodwill and shared commitment. He highlighted key achievements of the MNJTF, including the degradation of Boko Haram terrorist elements and the facilitation of the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their ancestral communities.
Major General Audu also traced the evolution of the MNJTF and its adoption by the African Union as a model force dedicated to addressing common security challenges among member states.
He acknowledged Egypt’s experience in tackling security threats in the Sahel and expressed the MNJTF’s interest in leveraging that expertise, particularly in intelligence sharing, counter–improvised explosive device operations, and unmanned aerial vehicle jamming capabilities.
The engagement underscores growing international support for the MNJTF as it continues its mandate to restore peace and stability across the Lake Chad Basin.
