Chad has denied claims of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023. The government refuted accusations from Sudan’s Darfur Governor, asserting its neutrality and commitment to peace amid the unfolding humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
Chad has firmly denied allegations that it has been fuelling the ongoing conflict in Sudan by supplying arms to the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, which has persisted since April 2023, has resulted in catastrophic consequences, with tens of thousands of casualties reported. Chad’s denial follows accusations from Sudan’s Darfur Governor, Minni Minnawi, who claims that Chad has been involved in facilitating military assistance to the RSF, a group engaged in continuous struggles against the Sudanese army, led by Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. During comments to the media, Chad’s Foreign Minister and government spokesperson, Abderaman Koulamallah, emphasized that Chad has no intention of exacerbating the conflict in Sudan by providing military support. “Chad has no interest in amplifying the war in Sudan by supplying weapons,” Koulamallah stated, highlighting that Chad has faced significant repercussions from the ongoing violence. Minnawi specifically mentioned a recent trip to Paris aimed at persuading France to intervene and stop what he described as the delivery of non-humanitarian military supplies through Chadian territory to RSF-controlled areas. Additionally, the Sudanese authorities previously accused Chad of aiding in weapon transfers from the United Arab Emirates, claims that both nations vehemently deny. Chad’s stance remains one of neutrality as it supports peace efforts in the region and has welcomed a substantial number of Sudanese refugees, totaling around 680,000 individuals. The humanitarian crisis precipitated by the conflict in Sudan has led to around 26 million people experiencing severe food insecurity, with famine officially declared in the Zamzam displacement camp located in western Darfur.
The conflict in Sudan has become increasingly complex, involving various factions including the Sudanese army and the RSF. This turmoil has drawn international attention, given the severe humanitarian implications. Chad, which shares a border with Sudan, has found itself at the center of these accusations due to its geographical location and its significant intake of Sudanese refugees. The region has seen numerous allegations of arms transfers, which complicate interstate relations, particularly between Sudan, Chad, and the United Arab Emirates.
In summary, Chad has officially rejected allegations of supplying arms to Sudan’s RSF, asserting its commitment to peace and stability in the region. The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to have dire humanitarian effects, underpinning the urgent need for international diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on preventing further escalation and addressing the substantial refugee inflow resulting from the violence.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
