Lake Chad Basin: Soldiers Struggle Against Jihadists in Naval Terrain

Following deadly attacks on May 4 and 6, 2026, Chad declared a state of emergency in its Lac province after at least 26 soldiers were killed by Jamaat Ahl Al-Sunnah Lil Dawa Wal Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram faction. Vincent Foucher, a researcher specializing in jihadist movements in the Lake Chad basin, analyzes the situation in an interview with Le Monde. He highlights that JAS is firmly established in the islands and swamps along the Chad-Niger border, capable of targeting significant military positions. Foucher notes that Chadian soldiers are more accustomed to desert warfare than naval combat or canoe travel, putting them at a disadvantage in this specific terrain. This recent violence echoes previous deadly incidents, such as the 2024 Barkaram attack and the 2020 Bohoma massacre. The analysis underscores the persistent threat posed by jihadist groups operating across Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon, emphasizing the strategic challenges faced by regional forces in adapting to the complex aquatic environment of Lake Chad.