Faith Nyasuguta
Chad has strongly condemned a Sudanese general’s threat to target its airports, calling it a “declaration of war.” In a firm response, Chad’s foreign ministry warned that any threat to its territory would be met with action in line with international law.
The tensions flared after Lt-Gen Yasir al-Atta, Sudan’s army deputy commander, accused the UAE of using Chad’s airports to supply weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan’s rivals in the ongoing civil war. Al-Atta declared that airports in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, and the eastern city of Amdjarass were now “legitimate targets.”
For two years, Sudan’s army has claimed the UAE supports the RSF in the brutal conflict that has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. UN experts have described the allegations as “credible,” though the UAE denies involvement. Sudan has even taken the UAE to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over these accusations.
The Sudanese general also accused South Sudan and Chad’s President Mahamat Deby of aiding the RSF, warning that Sudan’s army would take “retaliatory action” against them. South Sudan has denied supporting any side in the conflict.
Chad, which has maintained a neutral stance, rejected the accusations and urged Sudan to focus on ending the war. “General al-Atta should stop uttering foolish threats and focus on the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities,” Chad’s statement read, highlighting that it is already hosting hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict, most from Darfur, a region largely under RSF control.
The war of words reflects the deep frustration in Sudan’s army, not only with the UAE but also with neighbouring countries allegedly allowing their territory to serve as supply routes for the RSF. In December, Sudan’s defence ministry claimed the weapons being supplied included strategic drones carrying guided missiles.
Regional Instability Escalates
This diplomatic clash highlights the growing regional instability fueled by Sudan’s civil war and the increasing involvement of foreign powers. The RSF recently claimed to have seized al-Malha, a strategic town in Darfur on a vital trade route from Chad and Libya. Control over this route strengthens the RSF’s grip on Darfur, the heart of its power base.
Eyewitnesses reported a devastating aftermath. Residents say roads were sealed off, preventing escape, while markets were looted, water supplies cut, and hospitals left non-functional. Some fled into the valleys, hiding among nomadic herders, while others sought refuge in nearby villages. Estimates suggest that between 35 and 48 people were killed during the RSF’s advance.
The RSF’s push in Darfur comes as Sudan’s army regains ground in central Sudan and Khartoum. Capturing the rest of the capital would give Sudan’s army a significant advantage across other battlefields. However, analysts warn that the conflict risks creating a de facto partition, with rival forces and their foreign backers entrenching themselves in their zones of influence.
As tensions rise, the threat of Sudanese airstrikes on Chad marks a dangerous escalation, pushing the region closer to a larger conflict.
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