Chad Faces Escalating Security Threats from Sudan's Civil War

Chadian President Mahamat Déby has ordered military retaliation against drone attacks originating from Sudan, which recently killed 17 people during a funeral in Al-Tina, a border town. Déby condemned the mid-March incident as “outrageous and a blatant aggression” against Chad's territorial integrity. The attacks are attributed to the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has seen the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaged in conflict since April 2023. Chad has been increasingly drawn into this conflict, with multiple incursions leading to the deaths of Chadian soldiers and prompting the closure of the border with Sudan in February 2026.

Sudan War Becomes ‘Direct Security Threat’ to ChadChad, Sudan’s War, and the Politics of the BorderlandsTine Under Fire: 457 Injured as Sudan War Spills Into Chad

The situation in Tine has deteriorated significantly, transforming the town into a frontline for violence. Since February 2026, Médecins Sans Frontières reported treating 457 individuals for trauma-related injuries due to intensified drone strikes by both the SAF and RSF. The conflict has turned Tine, a refuge for those fleeing violence in Darfur, into a target for aerial bombardment, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Access to food and basic necessities has become critically limited, with fresh waves of displacement reported following the March attack.

Tine Under Fire: 457 Injured as Sudan War Spills Into Chad

Chad and Sudan share a complex historical relationship, particularly influenced by ethnic ties among communities such as the Zaghawa, who straddle both sides of the border. The late President Idris Déby initially maintained strategic influence over Sudan, but his son, Mahamat Déby, has shifted Chad's alignment toward the RSF. This change is attributed to geopolitical pressures, financial incentives from the United Arab Emirates, and the need for security in light of the RSF's dominance in Darfur.

Chad, Sudan’s War, and the Politics of the BorderlandsSudan War Becomes ‘Direct Security Threat’ to ChadTine Under Fire: 457 Injured as Sudan War Spills Into Chad

Chad's alignment with the RSF has been influenced by significant economic ties with the UAE, which has provided loans and facilitated logistical support. Reports suggest that flights from the UAE have been used to transport military supplies, although both governments deny these allegations. The border economy, which has historically supported trade and mobility, is now a battleground for control among armed factions, complicating Chad's efforts to maintain neutrality.

Chad, Sudan’s War, and the Politics of the Borderlands

Critics argue that Chad's involvement in the conflict, particularly its alleged support for the RSF, undermines its sovereignty and exacerbates regional instability. The Sudanese government has accused Chad of providing weapons and mercenaries to the RSF, a claim that N’Djamena denies. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis have led to increased tensions among local populations, particularly in Tine, where residents have resisted Chad's efforts to collect weapons.

Sudan War Becomes ‘Direct Security Threat’ to Chad

Chadian officials have emphasized their commitment to maintaining control over the border and protecting national sovereignty. Gassim Cherif, the Chadian minister of communication, stated, “We will not give in to attempts to destabilize Chadian institutions.” Meanwhile, the Emergency Room Council in Al-Tina has reported a critical humanitarian situation, with medical facilities overwhelmed by the influx of trauma cases.

Sudan War Becomes ‘Direct Security Threat’ to Chad

As the conflict continues to escalate, Chad faces the challenge of managing its exposure to Sudan's civil war while addressing the humanitarian needs of its population. The international community's response remains crucial, as ongoing violence threatens to destabilize the region further and complicate efforts for peace and security along the Chad-Sudan border.

Chad, Sudan’s War, and the Politics of the Borderlands