Chad Closes Border with Sudan Amid Escalating Conflict

Chad has closed its border with Sudan in an effort to maintain neutrality and prevent the ongoing Sudanese conflict from spreading into its territory.

The war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has been raging for three years, leaving tens of thousands dead and displacing more than 12 million people, according to the United Nations. Nearly one million of those displaced have fled into Chad.

Fighting has intensified in Darfur, which borders Chad and is now largely under RSF control following the fall of Al Fasher in October.

The border closure followed a series of RSF operations near the frontier. On February 21, the paramilitary group claimed to have captured the border town of Al Tina, located opposite the Chadian town of Al Tine.

Since December, attacks near the border have reportedly killed 15 Chadian soldiers and eight civilians.

Communications Minister Gassim Cherif Mahamat said the measure aims to prevent the conflict from spreading and warned that Chad reserves the right to respond to any violation of its territory.

Although cross-border trade and movement have been suspended, authorities said humanitarian exemptions will allow Sudanese civilians to continue seeking refuge in Chad.

The move comes amid growing international concern over alleged atrocities in Darfur. The UN human rights office has accused the RSF of committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity during the capture of Al Fasher, where around 6,000 people were reportedly killed within three days.

Source: Newstimehub