Why Regional Cooperation Is Essential in the Lake Chad Basin

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

Last year, Chad issued a stark warning: it might withdraw from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the regional coalition established to combat extremism in the Lake Chad Basin. The move underscored growing frustrations among member states over the effectiveness of the security framework designed to counter threats like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The MNJTF – comprising Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad – was formed as a collaborative response to the transnational nature of insecurity in the region. These countries are also members of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, an intergovernmental body aimed at promoting sustainable development and security across the basin.

Chad’s concern stemmed from its perception that the MNJTF was failing to deliver on its mandate. N’Djamena felt increasingly isolated, bearing the brunt of military engagements against extremist groups without adequate support from its partners.

This sentiment echoed earlier tensions within the coalition, which came to a head earlier this year when Niger reportedly withdrew from the task force amid strained relations with some member states – particularly Nigeria. Although Niger later clarified that its forces had not yet pulled out, the initial announcement sent a discouraging signal about the cohesion and future of the regional alliance.

Originally launched by former Nigerian military ruler Sani Abacha in the early 1990s to tackle banditry, the MNJTF was later restructured to address terrorism. Today, however, it appears to be standing on two legs instead of four – threatening the very foundation of its collective strength.

The Rising Threat and the Limits of National Action

Boko Haram and ISWAP have escalated their attacks, employing increasingly sophisticated tactics such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and drones. As a result, the Lake Chad Basin – and the broader Sahel region – has become one of the world’s most volatile hotspots for terrorism.

Displacement, humanitarian crises, and loss of life continue to rise, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response.

While national governments have ramped up domestic counterterrorism efforts, the reality is that no single country can win this fight alone. The porous borders, shared ethnic ties, and centuries-old patterns of movement across the region make unilateral approaches insufficient and unsustainable.

Toward a More Unified and Strategic Response

Effective intelligence sharing, joint operations, and synchronized strategies are not just beneficial – they are essential. Extremist groups exploit divisions between states, moving freely across territories where one nation’s reach ends and another begins.

Without cooperation, these groups will continue to thrive in the gaps.

Moreover, the varying levels of military and technological capability among the MNJTF member states offer an opportunity for complementary partnerships. Some nations have developed advanced drone capabilities and surveillance systems, giving them a strategic edge that can be leveraged collectively.

Despite political differences and evolving governance structures in the region, leaders must prioritize regional security over narrow interests. The threat posed by violent extremism transcends borders – and so must the response.

In the Lake Chad Basin, cooperation is not optional. It is the only viable path forward.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.