Sudan: Is Chad becoming more involved in conflict?
Deutsche Welle
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chad has closed its 1,300-kilometer border with Sudan following recent clashes that spilled over into Chadian territory, resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians. While the Chadian government claims the closure aims to prevent the conflict from escalating further, experts accuse Chad of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a warring faction in Sudan, potentially fueling the violence. The situation has raised concerns about regional stability and humanitarian crises as thousands of Sudanese refugees rely on Chad for safety.
The war in Sudan has intensified near the Chadian border, with fighting between the Sudanese army and RSF militia occurring directly on the frontier. Since December, multiple incidents have occurred, including an attack by RSF fighters on a Chadian military position that killed seven soldiers. Humanitarian workers in the region have reported increasing danger, with armed groups frequently crossing into Chad to attack civilians and even targeting aid workers.
Chad's decision to close its border has been welcomed by some, such as Roger Alladoum of an aid organization, who described it as a "good move" to protect Chadians from further violence. However, experts like Andrea Behrends highlight the complex ethnic ties that complicate the conflict, with groups like the Zaghawa straddling both sides of the border and playing different roles in Sudan and Chad.
Accusations persist that Chad is using its strategic location to supply arms to the RSF via the UAE, despite denials from Chadian officials. Charles Bouessel of the International Crisis Group points out that since 2023, Chad has signed significant agreements with the UAE, which is a major backer of the RSF. This raises questions about Chad's role in the conflict and whether its leaders are succumbing to pressure from influential Zaghawa factions.
The situation in Sudan and Chad's involvement matter globally due to the broader implications for regional stability, foreign influence, and humanitarian crises. The ongoing violence has displaced over a million people into Chad, straining resources and highlighting the need for international intervention. As the conflict escalates, the stakes for neighboring countries like Chad—and their relationships with global powers—continue to rise.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026