The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council has renewed the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force fighting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin for another 12 months.
The MNJTF comprises military personnel from Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria, and is headquartered in N’Djamena, with a mandate to end the Boko Haram insurgency. Niger was a member until its withdrawal in 2025.
The extension, adopted at the Council’s 1318th meeting held on December 15, 2025 and obtained from the AU website on Monday, stated that the renewed mandate will run from February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.
It said, in part,”Requests the AU Commission and the LCBC to renew the Memorandum of Understanding and Support Implementation Agreement that guides the provision of the AU’s additional support to the MNJTF for a period of one year, starting from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2027; and also requests the AU Commission to maintain institutional collaboration and support in the implementation of the adjusted Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery and Resilience 2.0.
“Decides to renew the mandate of MNJTF for 12 months, effective from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2027; and also decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”
The Council endorsed the report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the activities of the MNJTF and acknowledged what it described as progress made so far in combating terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin.
It also condemned ongoing terror attacks in the region and paid tribute to MNJTF personnel who have died in the line of duty.
It said,”Endorses the Report of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the activities of the MNJTF against the Boko Haram terrorist group; and acknowledges the achievements registered thus far in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the LCB region.
“Commends the LCBC and all MNJTF Troop Contributing Countries for their continued sacrifices and commitment to defeat Boko Haram, stabilise the LCB region and restore lasting peace, security and stability; and encourages them to persevere until the terrorist group is completely defeated.
“Welcomes the commencement of planned Operation Lake Sanity III aimed at degrading the activities of Boko Haram in the LCB; in the same context, requests the AU Commission and the international community to continue supporting the MNJTF to enable the Mission to more effectively discharge its mandate, including sustaining and consolidating the milestones registered thus far.
“Strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in the LCB area and warns that those responsible will be held accountable.
“Pays tribute to the MNJTF personnel who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against terrorism; and, in this regard, expresses condolences to the families and governments of the deceased and wishes speedy recovery to all those nursing injuries from the terrorist attacks.”
At the same time, the council noted persistent funding and capability gaps, including shortages of air and amphibious assets, as well as counter-drone and anti-IED equipment. Member states and partners were urged to honour past pledges and provide additional assistance ahead of the new operation.
The AU also requested consideration of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 as a possible funding channel for MNJTF activities and encouraged stronger cross-border intelligence sharing among Lake Chad Basin countries.
It further highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in the region, driven by climate change and population displacement, and called for coordinated regional responses.
The council directed the AU Commission and the Lake Chad Basin Commission to renew the support and implementation agreements covering AU assistance to the force for the new mandate period, and said it would remain seized of the matter.
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