Chad Responds to Sudan’s Airport Threat, Declares Serious Consequences

Chad condemns a Sudanese general’s threat, labeling it a declaration of war. Lt-Gen Yasir al-Atta claimed the UAE is using Chadian airports for arms to the RSF. Chad threatened to respond to any territorial threat, while the humanitarian crisis in Darfur grows amid ongoing violence and disrupted civilian life.

Chad has officially condemned the threat made by a senior Sudanese general, characterizing it as a “declaration of war.” The Chadian foreign ministry emphasized that any threat to its territory would be met with a response in accordance with international law. The remark comes in light of Lieutenant General Yasir al-Atta’s claim that the UAE is utilizing Chad’s airports to provide arms to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudanese military has consistently accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, complicating an already dire humanitarian crisis stemming from Sudan’s ongoing civil war. UN experts have corroborated allegations regarding potential UAE involvement in arms smuggling through Chad, while the UAE has denied these accusations. General Atta’s statements follow Sudan’s decision to bring the UAE before the International Court of Justice over its purported support of the RSF.

In a recent address, Lt-Gen Atta indicated that airports in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, and the eastern city of Amdjarass would be viewed as valid targets for military action. He announced that “retaliatory action” would also focus on the UAE and South Sudan, the latter of which has denied backing any factions in the conflict. General Atta, expressing grave dissatisfaction, declared the statements made were serious and warranted action.

As the RSF made further advances during their conflict with the Sudanese army, they reported having captured al-Malha in Darfur, a strategic location for trade routes. The situation has sparked humanitarian concerns, further exacerbated by the closure of roads and accessibility barriers imposed by the RSF. Local activists highlighted dire conditions, with critical infrastructures such as hospitals and markets rendered non-functional in the town.

Both residents and externally monitoring activists reported a lack of communication due to internet shutdowns and ongoing violence. Individuals displaced from al-Malha are facing urgent humanitarian needs in nearby areas, as resources diminish. Analysts assert that the RSF continues to seek dominance in regions of Darfur, especially in light of recent advancements by the Sudanese army in other regions, including Khartoum.

The escalating tensions between Chad and Sudan, marked by accusations and threats surrounding military action, underscore the precarious nature of regional stability amidst the ongoing Sudanese civil war. Chad’s firm stance against the perceived threats highlights its commitment to sovereignty and international norms. Concurrently, the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict in Darfur demands urgent international attention and intervention to alleviate the plight of affected civilians.

Original Source: www.bbc.com