Chad has denied allegations from Sudan’s Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi of supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces amid a prolonged conflict with the Sudanese army. The Chadian government emphasizes its humanitarian efforts, hosting a significant number of refugees from Sudan and maintaining a neutral stance in the conflict, despite accusations of military collaboration with the UAE. The war has caused widespread suffering and famine, particularly impacting 26 million people in Sudan.
On Thursday, the government of Chad publicly refuted allegations of providing arms to Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), amidst an ongoing conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since its escalation in April 2023. The fighting between the Sudanese army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has drawn significant attention and criticism. Chad’s foreign minister and government spokesman, Abderaman Koulamallah, emphasized that the country possesses no inclination to exacerbate the conflict in Sudan. In a declarative statement, Koulamallah remarked, “Chad has no interest in amplifying the war in Sudan by supplying weapons,” while highlighting Chad’s substantial humanitarian efforts, evidenced by hosting approximately 680,000 refugees from Sudan. The statements from Chad came in response to accusations made by Minni Minnawi, the Governor of Darfur, who alleged that Chad was facilitating the transit of non-humanitarian aid—specifically military equipment—to RSF-controlled areas within Sudan. In a recent commentary to RFI, Minnawi stated that he had appealed to France to intervene, seeking to halt the Chadian government’s purported actions. Furthermore, he detailed the complex logistics involved in the alleged arms transit, asserting that a variety of military supplies are transported through multiple airports in Chad or via ports further afield before crossing into Sudan. Contrary to these claims, Koulamallah asserted that Chad remains committed to maintaining neutrality in the conflict. He rejected the notion of Chad supplying weapons to any faction, stating, “We do not support any of the factions that are fighting on Sudanese territory — we are in favour of peace.” Moreover, he described the accusations as “fanciful information,” voicing a strong denial of any military collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, despite acknowledging a positive diplomatic relationship with the Gulf state. The backdrop of the conflict portrays a dire situation, with approximately 26 million individuals grappling with acute food insecurity in Sudan, and famine conditions prevailing in various regions, notably within the Zamzam displacement camp. As the international community grapples with the ramifications of this complex war, Chad’s unwavering position underscores its role in addressing the humanitarian crisis rather than exacerbating it.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has entered a volatile phase since April 2023, pits the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to a catastrophic humanitarian situation. With over tens of thousands of deaths reported, the war has resulted in severe food shortages threatening the lives of millions. Chad, sharing a border with Sudan, has hosted a significant influx of Sudanese refugees, becoming a central player in regional humanitarian efforts. The allegations of military support towards the RSF have jolted diplomatic relations and instigated calls for intervention from various international actors, including France, while complicating Chad’s role in facilitating peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Chad’s government has firmly denied allegations of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, emphasizing its commitment to peace amid the ongoing humanitarian disaster. As the conflict in Sudan progresses, the accusations levied against Chad reflect the complexities of regional dynamics, humanitarian responsibilities, and international diplomatic relations. The situation continues to demand urgent attention and action to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the war.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
