French Media: Chad Seeks to “Reaffirm Its Neutrality” as RSF Allies Weaken

Sudanhorizon – Agencies
French media outlets, including Agence France-Presse (AFP) and TV5 Monde, reported that Chad is attempting to reassert its neutrality in the Sudan conflict after announcing the closure of its border with Sudan following new incursions by Sudanese militias into Chadian territory.
According to the report, repeated cross-border attacks have heightened tensions. Since late December, these incursions have resulted in the deaths of 15 Chadian soldiers and eight civilians, according to AFP figures. In response, N’Djamena announced on 23 February the closure of its border with Sudan.
Chad’s Minister of Communications, Qassim Sherif Mohamed, stated that the decision was intended to prevent “any risk of escalation of the conflict,” warning that Chad “reserves the right to respond to any aggression or violation of its territory and borders.”
A Difficult Border to Control
The Sudan–Chad border stretches for approximately 1,400 kilometres, much of it across desert terrain, making it largely open and difficult to monitor effectively.
French media note that the move allows Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who officially maintains a neutral stance in the conflict, to distance himself from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese army and several non-governmental organisations have previously accused Chad of facilitating arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF—an allegation the Chadian government has denied.
A Chadian diplomat, speaking anonymously to AFP, said the border closure enables the government to reassert neutrality “at a time when its RSF allies are losing ground militarily.” The diplomat also noted that the UAE is facing significant diplomatic pressure over accusations that it supports the RSF.
International Accusations and Pressure
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has accused the RSF and allied paramilitary groups of committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity during operations around El Fasher, reporting that at least 6,000 people have been killed.
The UAE has repeatedly been accused by various reports and independent investigations of supplying the RSF with weapons, personnel, and fuel, though Abu Dhabi consistently denies these allegations.
A source close to Chadian Prime Minister Allamaye Halina told AFP that “strong diplomatic pressure exists to end this conflict, and Chad finds itself compelled to adapt to this new situation.”
Changing Regional Dynamics
Remadji Hoinathy, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic Studies, stated that “the situation is changing” against the RSF and its alleged backers, adding that international actors appear increasingly inclined toward peaceful solutions.
Meanwhile, Roland Marchal, a researcher at the Centre for International Studies (CERI) in Paris, said that support for the RSF has become a subject of debate within Chad’s military and security establishment.
Many senior officers in the Chadian army belong to the Zaghawa ethnic group, which is influential in Chad and to which President Déby belongs on his father’s side. The Zaghawa population also lives across the border in Sudan, particularly in El Fasher, where they make up a large share of the population.
Since the Darfur conflict began in 2003, when Zaghawa communities were targeted by Arab Janjaweed militias—from which the RSF later emerged—there have been growing fears that the conflict could spill into Chad along ethnic lines. Analysts warn that Chadian soldiers might feel compelled to assist their relatives across the border if violence escalates.
Border Closure with Exceptions
Although the closure has suspended the movement of goods and people, Chadian authorities say special exemptions will be granted, particularly to allow Sudanese refugees to continue seeking asylum in Chad, according to the communications minister.
The development reflects shifting regional dynamics, as diplomatic pressure mounts and the conflict in Sudan continues to reshape alliances and political calculations across the region.

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