Chad has temporarily shut its eastern border with Sudan, citing the need to protect its territory and residents from the escalating conflict next door.
The government said the closure will remain in place “until further notice,” though strictly controlled exceptions for humanitarian purposes can be allowed with prior approval from the relevant authorities.
The announcement comes after heavy fighting erupted in the border town of al Tina, where Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces clashed with fighters loyal to the Sudanese army. Chadian officials said the decision was a precautionary measure to prevent the Sudan war from spilling over into its land.
Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif stated the closure is aimed at “preventing the conflict from spreading and safeguarding both citizens and refugee populations,” highlighting the growing security risks in the region.
Since the war began in Sudan in April 2023, nearly a million Sudanese refugees have fled into Chad, making it one of the largest hosts of displaced persons from the conflict.
Chad has also served as a crucial entry point for humanitarian convoys and relief efforts heading to Sudan, adding pressure on the government to manage border access carefully.
Authorities warned that they “reserve the right to retaliate against any aggression or violation,” and urged people living in affected areas to remain calm, stay vigilant, and comply with the new restrictions.
The fighting in al Tina over the weekend drew in Chadian forces, with officials reporting five soldiers and three civilians killed, and at least twelve more injured. The clashes underscore the danger of the conflict crossing borders, prompting N’Djamena to act decisively.
Meanwhile, Sudan’s army has accused Chad of supporting the RSF and allowing military supplies to pass through its territory, claims the Chadian government has consistently denied.
The border closure marks a tense moment in relations between the two countries, as Chad moves to shield its population from the fallout of Sudan’s civil war.
