The Chadian government has announced the indefinite closure of its eastern border with Sudan, effective Monday, following a surge in cross-border violence that claimed the lives of five Chadian soldiers over the weekend. The decision marks a significant escalation in regional tensions as Sudan’s nearly three-year civil war increasingly bleeds into neighboring territories.
The closure was prompted by intense fighting on Saturday in the border community of Tine. According to Chadian government spokesman Gassim Cherif, the clashes involved fighters from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and pro-government militia groups. In addition to the five military fatalities, officials confirmed that three Chadian civilians were killed and 12 others wounded during the incursion.
“This decision aims to prevent any risk of the conflict spreading to our soil, to protect our fellow citizens and refugee populations, and to guarantee the stability and territorial integrity of our country,” the government statement read. Movement of persons and goods has been suspended across all major crossings, including Adré and Tine, though officials noted that strictly justified humanitarian exemptions may be granted.
The border region has become a flashpoint for drone warfare and ground incursions. Earlier this month, humanitarian groups reported a series of drone strikes in the same area that killed 10 people, further straining Chad’s ability to host the over one million Sudanese refugees currently seeking shelter within its borders. While the RSF has previously expressed “regret” for unintentional border clashes, Chadian authorities have begun deploying additional tactical units to the frontier to prevent further “violations of national sovereignty.”
The closure of this 1,400-kilometer border raises urgent concerns regarding the humanitarian corridor into Darfur. With the Sudanese conflict showing no signs of de-escalation, the shutdown of these vital supply routes could exacerbate what the UN already describes as one of the world’s most severe famine and displacement crises.
