Chad Closes Eastern Border Amid Escalating Sudanese Conflict

Chad has closed its eastern border with Sudan in response to escalating violence in the border town of al-Tina, as Sudan’s ongoing civil war inches closer to its territory. The closure, announced by the Chadian government, comes amid heavy fighting involving Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and local militia groups.

The government justified this decision as a critical measure to thwart repeated incursions by armed Sudanese groups and to safeguard civilian lives. Despite the border closure, authorities indicated that limited humanitarian exemptions could still be granted to alleviate the plight of those affected by the conflict.

Recent clashes in al-Tina have resulted in casualties, including the deaths of Chadian soldiers and civilians, raising concerns about the political stability and security of Chad. The government urged the international community to understand the precarious situation and hinted at the potential for military responses should aggression continue from Sudanese factions.

Since the onset of the conflict between Sudanese military leaders, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in 2023, nearly a million Sudanese nationals have fled into Chad, seeking refuge from the violence. Chadian officials emphasized that the closure of the border is a necessary security precaution aimed at preventing the civil war from spilling into their nation.

In light of the ongoing turmoil, Chad remains vigilant and resolute. The government categorically rejected accusations from Sudan claiming that it has provided support to the RSF, reinforcing its commitment to a neutral stance while prioritizing its national security interests.

The humanitarian implications of this closure, particularly for those already displaced by the conflict, remain a pressing concern. As Chad fortifies its borders, the region’s stability hangs in the balance, urging a collective international response to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding on the ground.

By Newsroom
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.