The Chadian Parliament on Monday, May 25, approved a three-month extension of the state of emergency in Lake Province amid ongoing security threats linked to armed groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin.
During an extraordinary joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate, lawmakers unanimously endorsed the measure, with 237 votes in favour and no votes against or abstentions.
Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Limane Mahamat, said the extension was necessary due to continued armed incursions, terrorist attacks and cross-border movements that pose a threat to stability in the region. According to him, the measure will enhance the operational effectiveness of defence and security forces, facilitate requisitions and strengthen controls on movement to improve responses to security challenges.
Mr Mahamat added that authorities had instructed herders to avoid areas designated as high-security zones as part of efforts to implement security measures in the province. Chad initially declared a 20-day state of emergency in Lake Province in early May following attacks by Boko Haram militants that killed several soldiers.