Following the release of a group of Chadian soldiers, handed over to the authorities in Ndjamena by those of Niger on May 7, official media and Russian relays on social networks affirm that they were released during a “ joint Chad-Russia operation » against armed groups « Islamists » from southern Libya. A communication which surprises Ndjamena and annoys the rebels of the CCMSR (Military Command Council for the Salvation of the Republic). They denounce “ false statements » and assure that Moscow approached them by promising them equipment, before transferring the prisoners to Niger.
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According to the Russian version, “ the Chadian Minister of Defense thanked Moscow ” following a ” joint operation involving Chadian and Russian soldiers » to release 21 soldiers « detained in inhumane conditions and tortured “. The assertion and qualification “ of Islamists » made the CCMSR jump, which denounces a “ fake news “.
In a press release, the group explains that these men were taken prisoner during an attack carried out on August 10, 2023 in Tibesti, very close to the Libyan border. He assures that they were well treated, and released “ without constraint » as part of a negotiation.
Reached by telephone, a member of the movement even claims that it was the Russians themselves who approached them, that the prisoners were handed over to men who came specially from Russia to Gatrone, a Libyan locality about 300 kilometers from the border, and that a “ agreement was signed » providing in exchange for military equipment and training. A document that the group gives itself the right to publish. The prisoners were then transported to Niamey, where they were recovered on May 7 by Chad.
In Ndjamena, Russian communication leaves one wondering. We refuse to comment officially until then, but several sources affirm “ that no joint operation took place “, that ” the Chadian army does not intervene outside its borders », and that the Russians contacted Chad to inform it of the provision of prisoners via Niger.
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