Chad Seals Border with Sudan to Contain Conflict Spillover
Chad has officially closed its border with Sudan "until further notice" in response to multiple incursions by fighters from the warring Sudanese factions. The decision, announced on Monday, is a strategic move to limit the spread of violence into Chadian territory and safeguard national stability.
Government Cites Security and Humanitarian Concerns
Government spokesperson Gassim Cherif Mahamat stated that the border closure aims to prevent the conflict from spreading to Chad, protect citizens and refugee populations, and ensure the country's territorial integrity. He noted that "exceptional exceptions, strictly justified by humanitarian reasons, may be granted" to the closure, acknowledging the plight of refugees.
Recent Attacks Prompt Immediate Action
The closure follows a weekend attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the border town of Tine (also known as Tina). Sudanese Armed Forces and allied groups reported repelling the assault, forcing RSF fighters to flee into Chad. Tine is one of the last areas in the Darfur region still held by the Sudanese military, with RSF controlling most of Darfur since October 2025.
Historical Context and Humanitarian Crisis
This is not the first time Chad has closed its border with Sudan; a similar measure was taken shortly after the conflict erupted in April 2023, when a power struggle between the military and RSF escalated into open fighting in Khartoum and beyond. The war has resulted in:
- Over 40,000 deaths, according to UN estimates, though aid groups suggest the true toll is much higher.
- The world's largest humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 14 million people.
- Disease outbreaks and famine in parts of Sudan.
Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad since the conflict began, exacerbating regional instability. The border closure underscores Chad's efforts to balance security with humanitarian needs amid ongoing turmoil.
