Chad has denied allegations of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces engaged in the conflict in Sudan. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah emphasized Chad’s commitment to peace and the rejection of all factions in the war. The accusations stem from calls by Sudanese officials urging intervention against Chadian support for the RSF. Chad continues to host a significant number of Sudanese refugees amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
On Thursday, the Chadian government formally refuted allegations of its involvement in escalating the conflict in Sudan through arms supply to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in combat against the Sudanese army since April 2023. The conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities, pits the Sudanese military, led by de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the RSF, commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Chad’s denial comes in response to accusations from Sudanese Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi, who claimed that the Chadian government was facilitating military aid transit to RSF-controlled areas. During an interview with the French radio station RFI, Minnawi stated he traveled to Paris to urge the French government to intervene against what he described as non-humanitarian military equipment being sent through Chadian territory to support the RSF. Despite having hosted approximately 680,000 Sudanese refugees, Chad remains adamant about its stance in the conflict. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah emphasized that Chad seeks no involvement in exacerbating the violence and favors a peaceful resolution. He criticized the allegations, stating that Chad does not endorse any warring factions in Sudan. Furthermore, Koulamallah addressed previous assertions that Chad was a conduit for arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF, both parties having rejected such claims. The renewed allegations emerged shortly after a report from the Sudan Conflict Observatory, which receives funding from the US Department of State, indicated that the UAE had facilitated arms supply to the RSF from northeastern Chad’s Amdjarass airport in mid-2023. Minnawi maintained that considerable amounts of military equipment are traversing Chad to Sudan via various airports or the port of Douala in Cameroon prior to entry at the Adre border crossing. Meanwhile, Koulamallah asserted, “We have a good relationship with the United Arab Emirates… but this relationship in no way takes a military shape by supplying weapons to any faction,” denouncing the claims as mere fabrications.
The situation in Sudan has been unstable since April 2023, following the eruption of a devastating conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to significant casualties and widespread humanitarian crises. The conflict has drawn regional attention, particularly concerning neighboring Chad’s role in this complex geopolitical landscape. Chad, having received a substantial number of Sudanese refugees, finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its internal stability with regional pressures. Accusations against Chad have surfaced, alleging its involvement in the illicit transfer of military supplies to the RSF, contributing to the ongoing violence. As these tensions rise, both international observers and neighboring countries are scrutinizing the actions and policies of Chad in relation to the ongoing conflict.
In summary, the Chadian government has categorically denied accusations of providing military assistance to the RSF in Sudan, emphasizing its commitment to peace and stability in the region. Despite claims from Sudanese authorities and concerns from regional actors, Chad maintains that it does not support any factions in the conflict. The situation remains critical, as the conflict has dire humanitarian implications, including significant loss of life and widespread food insecurity.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
