Chadian President Denies Knowledge Of Shekau's Whereabouts

The President of Chad, Idriss Deby, on Monday denied knowledge of the whereabouts of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau. Speaking with journalists after a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Deby, who came to congratulate Jonathan for the statesmanship he demonstrated after the 2015 general election, stated he would not have told journalists the whereabouts of Shekau if he knows about it. His words: “It is regrettable that the Nigerian army and the Chadian Army are working separately on the field, they are not undertaking joint operation. If they were operating joint operation probably they would have achieved more results.” “I cannot tell you today that I know where Shekau is hiding ‎and even if I knew I won't tell you.” On the purpose of his visit, the Chadian leader said: “I came to consult with my brother President Goodluck Jonathan. As you all know Nigeria and Chad are two countries that have a lot of similarities in fighting insurgents.” “Chad has had its own problems in the 70s and 80s and Nigeria assisted Chad during those difficulties times.” “On the 2015 general election, ‎I came principally to congratulate Mr. President for the statesmanship he demonstrated during the elections. We all know that elections in Africa are always contested, but Mr. President demonstrated a lot of statesmanship, that he is a real democrat by conceding and congratulating the President-elect.” “You all know ‎that when Nigeria sneezes the neighbouring countries catch cold. If Mr. President had not taken that laudable initiative you all know what would have happened now. Nigeria is still living in peace, you all are living in peace and that would not have happened but for that laudable initiative he took.” “So I came to congratulate him for leaving a legacy not only for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole.” “As you all know we both work together to fight ‎Boko Haram. I thought it was important that before Mr. President leaves office, I will come for us to have overview of what we did together, what we achieved together in the fight against Boko Haram,” he continued. “It is true Boko Haram has not been completely eradicated ‎but they have been tremendously weakened. I did not want to wait and come during the inauguration of the new government, I thought I should come to consult with Mr. President, to congratulate him and to have this exchange and have overview of what we have been able to achieve in the fight against Boko Haram.”