Chad has closed its border with Sudan in an effort to maintain neutrality and prevent the devastating Sudanese conflict from spilling into its territory.
The war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has been ongoing for three years, leaving tens of thousands dead and forcing more than 12 million people from their homes, according to the United Nations. Nearly one million displaced Sudanese have fled into Chad.
Fighting has intensified in Darfur, which borders Chad and is now largely under RSF control after the fall of Al Fasher in October.
The decision to close the border followed a series of RSF operations near the frontier. On February 21, the paramilitary group claimed to have seized 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 border closure aims to prevent the conflict from spreading and warned that Chad reserves the right to respond to any violation of its territory.
While cross-border trade and movement have been halted, authorities say humanitarian exemptions will allow Sudanese civilians to continue seeking refuge in Chad.
The move comes as international concern grows 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.
