Egypt has pledged support and cooperation for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in its efforts to combat terrorism and restore stability in the Lake Chad Basin. The pledge was made by the Egyptian Ambassador to Chad, Amb. Tarek Youssef, during a visit to MNJTF Headquarters, accompanied by Egypt’s Defence Attaché to Chad and Sudan, Staff Col. Ahmed Gamal El-Barbary.
Ambassador Youssef described MNJTF as a “model multinational force” deserving of support and replication, praising its role in addressing terrorism and cross-border security challenges among member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. He also sought clarifications on the operational command structure for troops contributed by member countries.
Staff Col. El-Barbary affirmed Egypt’s readiness to support MNJTF through training, equipment provision, and enhanced operational cooperation, recalling Egypt’s longstanding cordial relations with Lake Chad Basin countries.
Responding, MNJTF Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Saidu Tanko Audu thanked the Egyptian delegation for the visit, describing it as timely and encouraging. He highlighted MNJTF’s achievements, including the degradation of Boko Haram and facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their communities.
Maj.-Gen. Audu emphasized that MNJTF, adopted by the African Union as a model force for regional security, would leverage Egypt’s counter-terrorism expertise and requested further support in intelligence sharing, counter-IED operations, and unmanned aerial vehicle jamming capabilities.