What You Need to Know
The Rapid Support Forces have confirmed their incursion into Chad, expressing regret over unintended clashes with Chadian troops that resulted in casualties. The Chadian government condemned the attack, which led to the deaths of seven soldiers. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics between the two nations amid regional instability.
Africa. The Rapid Support Forces announced their incursion into Chad, expressing regret over clashes they described as unintentional with Chadian troops, which resulted in the deaths of seven soldiers.
In a statement on their official website, the Rapid Support Forces affirmed their full respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Chad and its internationally recognized borders. They extended their condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. They praised the Chadian government’s role in hosting Sudanese refugees and supporting peace and stability efforts in Sudan and the region.
The statement clarified that the incident “was not intentional but occurred due to an unintentional error during field operations” aimed at pursuing what they termed militias and mercenary groups that had entered from within Chadian territory.
The Rapid Support Forces’ statement mentioned attempts by those they are fighting to create regional tensions aimed at destabilizing security and stability between the two countries. They reiterated their “firm commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and working together with the brothers in the Republic of Chad to serve security, stability, and peace in the region.”
The Rapid Support Forces noted that the delay in issuing the statement was due to a careful verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident, reaffirming their commitment to full accountability and continuing investigations to take necessary actions against any shortcomings according to applicable laws.
The Chadian government strongly condemned the incursion by the Rapid Support Forces, stating that it resulted in the deaths of seven Chadian soldiers and injuries to others. In an official statement released on Friday evening, they declared that armed elements belonging to the Rapid Support Forces illegally crossed the border last Thursday and carried out an armed operation targeting Chadian defense and security forces, as well as civilians in the eastern part of the country.
Sources reported that three Chadian soldiers were killed in the border area with Sudan during clashes on Thursday evening between Rapid Support Forces militants and armed groups supporting the Sudanese army in the town of Jirjira in North Darfur state near the Chad border.
Militants from the Rapid Support Forces published images of the destruction of armored vehicles belonging to the Chadian army in the border area between eastern Chad and North Darfur state in Sudan.
The ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of at least 11 million people, alongside a hunger crisis deemed by the United Nations as the worst in the world.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to significant humanitarian crises. The violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 11 million people, creating one of the worst humanitarian situations globally. The conflict has also affected neighboring countries, including Chad, which has been hosting a large number of Sudanese refugees and facing its own security challenges due to cross-border tensions.
