Sudan

Sudan recalls its envoy to Chad over border tensions and RSF support

Sudanese army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan in Port Sudan. AFP

By Mwangi Maina | Friday, June 28, 2024

The envoy is expected to return to Chad next week following necessary discussions.

Sudanese military authorities have recalled its ambassador to Chad, Osman Mohamed Younis, over escalating tensions concerning border control and alleged Chadian support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to the Sudan Tribune.

The envoy is expected to return to Chad next week following necessary discussions.

Relations between the two African nations have deteriorated in recent days following allegations from Port Sudan that Chadian authorities are facilitating the external supply of military provisions to the RSF through channels near the border.

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These accusations aren't new. In November and December last year, the Assistant Commander of the Sudanese army, Yasir Al-Atta, publicly accused N'Djamena of opening its territory for UAE weapons and ammunition to the RSF, which has been locked in conflict with the Sudanese army since mid-April 2023.

A government insider revealed to the Sudan Tribune that Chad is actively supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by opening its borders for UAE supplies, facilitating the movement of RSF commanders, and recruiting foreign fighters.

The chief of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo speaks to the Sudanese army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in a past event. (Photo: AFP)

The source, according to the Sudanese outlet, further alleged, "Chad is complicit in meddling in Sudanese affairs by using its territory as a conduit for RSF supplies. All Emirati aid to the militia is channelled through Chad, and Sudan has presented evidence to support this claim."

The Sudan Tribune writes that a second diplomatic source confirmed on Thursday that Sudan had formally submitted a detailed report to the Chadian government concerning border security.

However, the lack of response from Chadian authorities has prompted the recall of the ambassador for further consultation.

"Sudan's concerns fell on deaf ears," the diplomatic source lamented. "Despite repeated diplomatic overtures, Chad failed to address our concerns regarding border security. This inaction necessitated the recall of our ambassador."

But this diplomatic row is not the first between the two nations. In December, Chad expelled four Sudanese diplomats over allegations of interference in their domestic conflict.

Sudan reciprocated by expelling three Chadian diplomats.