Chad has accused Sudan of arming and financing rebel groups operating on its territory, focusing specifically on a rebellion by the Zaghawa ethnic group. The Chadian government claims this support is aimed at destabilizing Chad. Sudan has, in turn, accused Chad of interfering in its civil war, creating a complex interplay of allegations as both nations navigate ongoing conflicts.
On Friday, Chad formally accused Sudan of supporting and financing rebel factions that operate within its own territory, claiming that these actions are intended to undermine its stability. The Chadian government specifically pointed to a rebellion led by members of the Zaghawa ethnic group, which reportedly has its base in Sudan’s El Facher region. Chad’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated in a press release that, “Sudan is financing and arming terrorist groups operating in the sub-region with the aim of destabilising Chad.” The Zaghawa rebels, situated in Sudan, are reportedly led by Ousman Dillo, who is the younger sibling of Yaya Dillo Djerou, a prominent Chadian opposition leader assassinated by Chadian military forces earlier this year. This situation bears historical significance as in February 2008, a similar Zaghawa-led offensive from Sudan forced then-President Idriss Deby Itno into a precarious position in his presidential palace, prior to receiving military assistance from France to repel the invaders. Idriss Deby Itno’s subsequent death in 2021 during confrontations with rebel factions near the Libyan border led to the appointment of his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, as the new president. Conversely, the Sudanese government has leveled allegations against Chad, accusing it of interfering in Sudan’s internal conflict by purportedly supplying arms sourced from the United Arab Emirates to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. Both Chad and the UAE vehemently deny these allegations. The ongoing conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 between the national army and the RSF, resulting in catastrophic consequences. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of individuals have lost their lives, while over 11 million people have been displaced, with approximately 3.1 million seeking refuge across national borders, as stated by monitoring organizations.
The recent tensions between Chad and Sudan arise amidst ongoing instability and conflict in the region, particularly involving armed groups and certain ethnic factions. The government of Chad has accused Sudan of direct support for rebel insurgencies that threaten its national security. The Zaghawa ethnic group has been particularly focal in these struggles, historically involved in conflicts that intersect with political dissent in Chad and often using Sudanese territory as a launching ground. The situation is aggravated by Sudan’s internal conflict between its army and the RSF, which has contributed to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
In summary, the allegations made by Chad against Sudan highlight the precarious security situation in the region exacerbated by historical ethnic conflicts and recent political upheaval. As Chad accuses Sudan of supporting rebel forces aiming to destabilize its government, both nations continue to exchange accusations in the context of their own domestic challenges. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for both nations and the broader regional stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
