In brief
Chad has denounced a senior Sudanese military leader's threat to hit its airports with implications of 'war' against the nation, while supporting safety amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Chad has voiced strong condemnation towards Sudan's military after a senior general publicly threatened to target its airports. The foreign ministry labeled the remarks as a "declaration of war", underscoring its readiness to defend against any threats to its territory under international law. This follows Lt-Gen Yasir al-Atta's claims that the UAE is using Chad's airports to supply weapons to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).The Sudanese army has long accused the UAE of backing the RSF amidst a devastating two-year civil war in Sudan, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. UN experts have deemed the allegations credible, although the UAE refutes them. Lt-Gen Atta's remarks come in tandem with Sudan's pursuit of legal action against the UAE in the International Court of Justice for purported support to the RSF.During an event honoring a fallen officer, Atta declared Chad's airports as "legitimate targets", indicating potential retaliation against Chad's President Mahamat Déby, South Sudan, and others accused of assisting the RSF. Both Chad and South Sudan have claimed neutrality, but hostility has mounted alongside accusations of their involvement.Chad criticized Atta’s remarks, emphasizing that it's hosting thousands of Sudanese refugees and stressing the need for a ceasefire and constructive dialogue for peaceful resolutions. The rising rhetoric reveals the urgency of maintaining stability in the region further aggravated by the civil conflict in Sudan.Adding to regional tensions, the RSF reported recently capturing al-Malha, a significant town in Darfur with strategic trade routes, and claimed high death tolls among their adversaries. Local humanitarian responders reported worsening conditions for displaced residents, including blocked roads and limited access to essential resources.The RSF's advances in Darfur juxtapose the Sudanese army's efforts to reclaim lost territories, especially in the capital, Khartoum, indicating the conflict's complexity and potential for regional instability. As both factions stake their claim, observers warn of an emerging divided Sudan amid ongoing hostilities.
