Chad Shuts Down Sudan Border Following Deadly Weekend Fighting

Chad has sealed its eastern border with Sudan after weekend violence connected to Sudan's ongoing civil war resulted in the deaths of five Chadian soldiers. The border closure comes as fighting between Sudanese forces continues to spill over into Chadian territory, prompting concerns about regional stability.

Chad announced Monday it would seal its eastern frontier with Sudan following deadly weekend violence that claimed the lives of five Chadian military personnel, according to two sources speaking with Reuters.

Sudan’s internal warfare between government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has repeatedly crossed into Chad’s territory, resulting in casualties and damage to property.

According to a Chadian government official, Saturday’s fighting in the border community of Tine between RSF fighters and pro-government militia groups resulted in five military deaths, three civilian fatalities, and twelve injuries.

A border security officer stationed in Tine verified the soldier casualties and emphasized the necessity for enhanced protective measures to safeguard Chadian civilians in the area.

The two sources, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, indicated that Chad is sending additional military forces to the region.

On Monday, Chad’s administration announced the frontier would stay shut indefinitely, pointing to “repeated incursions and violations committed by forces in Sudan’s conflict.”

According to an official government statement, the decision “aims to prevent any risk of the conflict spreading to our soil, to protect our fellow citizens and refugee populations, and to guarantee the stability and territorial integrity of our country.”

Neither Sudan’s military nor the RSF provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

In a previous incident last year, a drone strike killed two Chadian military personnel, though authorities could not determine who was responsible for the attack.

“One thing is certain: whether we like it or not, Chad now appears to be a party to the conflict,” said Ahmat Yacoub from the Center for Studies for the Development and Prevention of Extremism, a think tank.