From 7 to 8 September, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated in the 18th Joint Steering Committee Meeting of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), hosted by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the MNJTF in N'Djamena, Chad.
The meeting reviewed progress on recommendations from the previous Joint Steering Committee, assessed the security situation across the MNJTF Area of Operations, and discussed force requirements, support mechanisms and accountability. Participants acknowledged continued United Nations and European Union support to strengthen MNJTF capabilities through training, logistics, counter-improvised explosive device (IED) assistance and stabilization efforts.
In its intervention, UNOAU paid tribute to the commitment and sacrifices of Troop-Contributing Countries and highlighted ongoing cooperation between the African Union, LCBC, MNJTF, UNOAU and the United Nations Mine Action Service to address the threat posed by IEDs. This includes preparations for an All-Arms Search Trainers of Trainers Course aimed at developing sustainable in-house search capabilities within the MNJTF.
UNOAU also acknowledged support from Germany and the Netherlands for the training and highlighted Germany's provision of more than 70 search equipment kits to support MNJTF operational effectiveness. UNOAU emphasized that UN assistance seeks to strengthen sustainable institutional capacity alongside the provision of training and equipment.
The MNJTF reaffirmed its commitment to conducting operations in accordance with international humanitarian law, international human rights law and approved Rules of Engagement. Participants also identified communications systems, counter-drone technologies, electronic warfare capabilities and continued counter-IED support among key operational requirements.
The meeting concluded with partners reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of regional security, stabilization and lasting peace in the Lake Chad Basin.
