What You Need to Know
In response to escalating security concerns, Chad has reinforced its military presence along the border with Sudan. This move follows clashes in Sudan that have impacted Chad’s security, prompting the deployment of heavy weaponry to deter potential incursions. The government has closed its borders with Sudan until further notice, citing repeated violations by Sudanese forces.
Africa-Press. In rapid security developments along the border between Chad and Sudan, the Chadian military announced an enhancement of its military presence in the border town of Tine, following clashes that erupted on the Sudanese side and affected security in Chadian territory.
The Chadian army deployed tanks and a range of heavy and light weapons along the border crossing, anticipating a potential new breach from the Sudanese side, which has been experiencing armed clashes that sometimes impact the Chadian side.
These measures aim to prevent a recurrence of operations that previously resulted in the deaths and injuries of many Chadian soldiers, as well as civilian casualties. The Chadian army affirmed its commitment to protecting its borders and preventing the spillover of violence from Sudan into the border town of Tine.
Until further notice
Tine is divided into two parts, one in North Darfur, western Sudan, and the other belonging to the Wadi Fira region of Chad, separated by a small valley called “Ab Sun.”
The Chadian government announced the closure of its borders with Sudan “until further notice,” following what it described as “repeated incursions and violations committed by conflicting Sudanese forces within Chadian territory,” according to a statement from the Chadian Ministry of Information.
This decision came two days after the Sudanese army and its allied forces in Darfur repelled an attack by the Rapid Support Forces on the town of Tine, resulting in border clashes with Chadian forces.
Chad condemned a previous incursion by the same forces in January, which resulted in the deaths of seven soldiers and the displacement of others, calling the incident “an unacceptable assault and a serious, repeated violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
The Rapid Support Forces acknowledged the incursion into Chad but described the incident as “unintentional” and a result of a “mistake.”
Impact of the Closure on Crossings
Chad’s decision includes closing border crossing points with Sudan and suspending the movement of people and goods, with the possibility of granting exceptions for humanitarian reasons after obtaining permission from the relevant authorities.
The land border between the two countries stretches approximately 1,400 kilometers, featuring four main crossings: Adré, Tine, Am Dukhun, and For Baranga, which have played a crucial role in delivering humanitarian aid to Darfur in recent months.
Chad also hosts over a million refugees fleeing armed conflicts in Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon, making the border situation sensitive from both humanitarian and security perspectives.
Chad and Sudan share a long and complex history marked by conflict and border disputes. The two countries have experienced numerous clashes, particularly in regions like Darfur, which have spilled over into Chad. The ongoing instability in Sudan has led to significant humanitarian challenges, with Chad hosting over a million refugees from various conflicts, including those in Sudan and the Central African Republic. This situation has heightened tensions along their shared border, necessitating increased military vigilance from Chad.
