Chad closes border with Sudan after deadly clashes

The government of Chad has announced that it is closing its border with Sudan until further notice. This decision comes after a series of clashes between Chadian soldiers and armed groups involved in the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Authorities say the move is aimed at stopping the conflict from spreading into Chad.

Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif explained that Sudanese forces have repeatedly crossed into Chadian territory, causing security concerns and putting Chadian lives at risk. “This decision follows repeated incursions and violations committed by the forces involved in the conflict in Sudan on Chadian soil,” Cherif said in a statement. He added that the border closure is necessary to prevent any further danger to the country.

Sudan has been experiencing a civil war for almost three years, mainly involving government troops and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has forced around 11 million people to leave their homes. The United Nations has described it as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world today.

According to reports, the paramilitary forces in Sudan have conducted several operations close to the Chad border. Since December, at least nine Chadian soldiers have been killed in separate attacks linked to these cross-border clashes.

Chad’s government emphasized that it reserves the right to respond to any future aggression or violation of its territory. As part of the new measures, all movement of goods and people across the border is suspended.

However, the government clarified that some exceptions will be made for humanitarian reasons, such as allowing aid to reach affected communities.

The border closure highlights the growing tensions in the region and the potential risks that neighboring countries face when conflicts spill over borders.

For now, Chad is taking strong steps to protect its citizens and maintain security, even as the situation in Sudan remains unstable and dangerous.