Chad is seeking the United Nations' endorsement of the five-nation force that is now engaging the Islamist radical group Boko Haram in Nigeria.
The multinational task force is composed of soldiers from Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Benin. It was formed after Boko Haram escalated its insurgency and spread its attacks to Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
The force is currently headquartered in Chad's Ndjamena and has seen success in retaking northeastern Nigerian towns from the Boko Haram.
According to an article in ABC News, Chad's Ambassador to the UN Mahamat Zene Cherif has submitted a resolution drafted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter to the organisation's Security Council. Chapter 7 resolutions, if approved, can be enforced militarily.
According to ABC News, the resolution seeks the establishment of a trust fund that will help finance the task force's operations against the Nigerian extremist group. Chad is proposing to turn management of the fund over to the five African nations in the multinational task force with oversight from the African Union.
In addition, Chad's resolution is seeking support for the use of whatever force is necessary to address the threat posed by Boko Haram in the region over the next 12 months.
Expressing "deep concern" over the Boko Haram's pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State, the resolution called the terrorist acts committed by the organisations "one of the most serious threats to international peace and security."
Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau pledged allegiance to the Boko Haram in a move that is described by Nigerian officials as desperate. The Islamic State responded by accepting the pledge and calling on jihadists to fly to Africa and join the Boko Haram.
The UN resolution is asking the international community to assist in the fight against Boko Haram by providing intelligence, equipment and assistance in the deployment of the multinational task force.
