Chad has accused Sudan of supporting rebel forces on its territory, specifically targeting the Zaghawa ethnic group to destabilize the nation. Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah condemned the financing and arming of insurgents by Sudan. This claim is situated within a broader context of regional conflict and tensions exacerbated by Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which has significantly affected both countries.
Chad recently accused Sudan of facilitating rebel activity on its territory, alleging that the Sudanese government is financially and militarily supporting insurgent groups, particularly those comprising members of the Zaghawa ethnic group. Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated that this support is aimed at undermining Chad’s stability. The Zaghawa insurgents, led by Ousman Dillo, are reported to be linked to the broader opposition in Chad and have a historical record of launching offensives against the Chadian state. The longstanding tension between Chad and Sudan has its roots in regional instability and ethnic conflict. The Zaghawa rebels were notably active during a 2008 incursion that challenged then-President Idriss Deby, and the conflict between the two nations has further intensified following the recent civil war in Sudan. Since April 2023, Sudan’s civil strife between its military contingent and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, which complicates relations with neighboring countries, including Chad. In response to these allegations, the Sudanese government has accused Chad of interference in its internal affairs, specifically by allegedly providing arms to the RSF. Both Chad and the United Arab Emirates have publicly denied these claims. The humanitarian crisis engendered by the conflict in Sudan has exacerbated the situation, with millions fleeing the violence as the war continues to escalate.
The rivalry between Chad and Sudan has a complex history, intertwined with ethnic disputes and external influences. The Zaghawa ethnic group, which has faced significant political and military challenges, has been at the heart of these disputes. The 2008 offensive by Zaghawa rebels is a prominent example of the insurgent activity supported by Sudan, establishing a pattern of conflict that has persisted over the years. Moreover, the recent outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 has created rippling effects throughout the region, causing humanitarian crises that further heighten the hostilities between Chad and Sudan.
The accusations exchanged between Chad and Sudan reflect the ongoing complexities of regional politics in Central Africa. Sudan’s alleged support of Zaghawa rebels poses a direct challenge to Chad’s sovereignty and stability, while Chad’s purported actions in Sudan’s civil war have significant implications for bilateral relations. Ultimately, this conflict underscores the need for diplomatic resolutions as both nations navigate their shared history of ethnic tensions and political instability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
