LEVEL 1 MEDICAL CENTRE COMMISSIONED FOR MULTINATIONAL NATIONAL JOINT TASK FORCE IN N’DJAMENA

The newly established Level 1 Medical Hospital at the Headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force, N’Djamena, Chad was commissioned on Thursday, 8 September 2026. The AU Chairperson ably represented by Mrs Maria Samba Jose Ovono, during her speech prior to the cutting of tape, she applaud the milestone achieved and the AU desire to continue to and partner with LCBC and MNJTF in improving the operational capacity of the force.

In attendance, was also the Head of Mission Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Force Commander MNJTF, Major General ST Audu, senior military officers, representatives of the European Union (EU) which are the major partner in support of the MNJTF, representatives of African Union Peace Support Operations Division (AU-PSOD) and other key stakeholders.

Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) Ambassador Ibrahim Babani commended the African Union Commission (AUC) for the establishment of the facility and he further describes it as a significant welfare to personnel who continue to make sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and other security threats in the Lake Chad Basin. He stressed that the wellbeing of personnel remains fundamental to sustaining operational effectiveness and urged continued support for initiatives that enhance the capacity and welfare of the Force.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Force Commander MNJTF, Major General ST Audu, expressed appreciation to the AUC and partners especially the EU for whom their support made the establishment of the hospital a reality. He described the facility as a value addition to the Force’s operational capability, noting that timely and quality medical care is essential to troop morale, welfare and combat effectiveness. He stated tha the operationilasation of the hospital is a significant milestone in strengthening medical support, troop welfare and operational readiness of personnel of the Force. He assured that the facility would be properly utilised and maintained to meet the medical needs of MNJTF personnel.

Also speaking at the event, the European Union Ambassador to Chad, His Excellency Amador Sanchez Rico expressed his enthusiasm for the great achievement. He stated that the establishment of level 1 gives them hope for the EU to continue to support the MNJTF through the AU. He congratulated the force for having the Hospital, which he said will improve and uplift the medical needs of the troops.

The Level 1 Medical Centre is designed to provide immediate and essential medical care to personnel, thereby strengthening the Force’s medical support system and contributing to its operational readiness.

The commissioning underscores the commitment of the AUC, Head of Mission leaderships, particularly the FC who work tirelessly since resumption to ensure the operationalisation of the hospital. This is in his view of command philosophy in prioritising personnel welfare and enhancing the capacity of the Force to effectively fulfil its mandate of promoting peace, security and stability in the Lake Chad Basin region and Benin Republic.