Seven Soldiers Dead as Chad-Sudan Border Clash Ignites Tensions

Authorities in N’Djamena reported a deadly incursion on Thursday near the city of Tine. Government spokesman Gassim Cherif confirmed that armed combatants crossed the frontier, sparking a firefight when local troops attempted to expel them.

While official statements initially described the aggressors as armed fighters, another government source identified them as elements of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This paramilitary group is currently battling the Sudanese army for control of the neighboring nation.

Escalation of the Chad-Sudan Border Clash

This latest violence underscores the fragile security situation facing Chad.

The incident began when foreign fighters breached the boundary line. Consequently, Chadian defense forces intervened, ordering the intruders to withdraw. The situation quickly deteriorated into armed conflict, resulting in significant casualties for the Chadian military.

This tragedy is not an isolated event. It follows a December 26 drone strike attributed to the RSF, which killed two soldiers in the same volatile region.

A “Final Warning” from N’Djamena

The government’s response has been swift and stern. Officials are wary of being pulled into a war that has already displaced millions.

“We call on all parties in the conflict to stop all violations of Chadian territory,” Cherif stated during a news conference.

He emphasized the gravity of the situation, signaling that patience is wearing thin.

“This is our final warning,” Cherif added. “We cannot have our defence and security forces dragged into the conflict… or Chadians dying.”

The Wider Regional Fallout

The Chad-Sudan border clash is a direct symptom of the civil war that erupted in April 2023.

Since the fighting began, the conflict has killed tens of thousands and forced approximately 12 million people to flee their homes. The United Nations estimates that nearly one million of these refugees have sought sanctuary within Chad.

Tensions have spiked further since October, when the RSF captured El-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in Darfur. This offensive drew international condemnation due to reports of systematic rape and mass executions.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates issued a statement condemning the attack on Chadian troops. However, the UAE—often accused of supporting the RSF—stopped short of blaming the paramilitary group directly.

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