Implications of the Chadian President’s Death for Nigeria’s Internal Security

Abstract

This brief presents an assessment of the possible implications of the development in Chad, following the sudden death of President Idriss Deby, for Nigeria’s internal security and the fight against terrorism. While the situation in Chad is still unfolding, the fact is that it is, and most likely will continue to be, precarious, endangering the peace, stability and security of not only Chad but also of countries bordering Chad, including Nigeria, unless something is done. The most likely and troubling implication of the turmoil currently ongoing in Chad is that it might be forced to withdraw its troops from its borders with other countries and from the MNJTF in order to protect its capital, N’Djamena, against rebel offensive, thereby undermining the sub-regional fight against terrorism. To this end, Nigeria needs to be proactive and active, deploying everything at its disposal, including diplomatic and military, to address the possible effects of the sudden and untimely death of President Deby on its own internal and sub-regional security, peace, stability and socio-economic development. It is suggested that Nigeria may consider the following: i. Partner/collaborate with France to broker peace and truce and find political solution to the crisis in Chad ii. Ensure that its borders are properly monitored through the deployment of more troops and use of sophisticated intelligence gathering mechanisms and weapons; iii. Work in concert with other countries in the sub-region and France to ensure that the military government in Chad does not hold on to power beyond the 18 months it has set for itself; iv. Explore alternative sources of procuring arms and ammunition for the military, including from China and Russia, as against its total reliance on western sources, in order to be able to effectively monitor the country’s borders and successfully prosecute the war against insurgents and terrorists