The Chadian government has announced the immediate and indefinite closure of its eastern border with Sudan, a major move aimed at insulating the country from the escalating conflict next door.
The decision follows a series of territorial incursions and a deadly drone strike that have brought diplomatic relations between the two neighbors to a breaking point.
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Communication confirmed that all border crossings are suspended for both people and goods. While N’Djamena noted that exceptions for “strictly humanitarian reasons” may be granted with prior authorization, the primary objective is to prevent the “spillover” of the Sudanese civil war into Chadian territory.
The closure marks a sharp escalation in regional tensions. In late December 2025, Chad’s military high command reported a drone attack on a military base in the Tine area of Wadi Fira province, which killed two soldiers and wounded another. While Chad has stopped short of officially blaming a specific faction in the Sudanese conflict, it warned of a “legitimate military response” under Article 51 of the UN Charter if further violations occur.
Beyond physical security, Chad is also pushing back against diplomatic pressure. The government recently rejected “grotesque and politically motivated” allegations brought before the International Criminal Court by a Sudanese NGO that attempted to link Chad to the ongoing war between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Officials emphasized that Chad is a “direct victim” of the crisis, currently hosting over 1.5 million Sudanese refugees—a massive humanitarian and economic burden for the nation.
CA/ac/fss/abj/APA