On February 8, 2025, clashes erupted between the Chadian army and Darfurian armed groups, leading to 19 casualties, including the death of six soldiers. Two commanders were captured, highlighting tensions in the tri-border area. The Neutral Force to Protect Civilians has been attempting to coordinate humanitarian efforts amidst the violence, which is compounded by miscommunication with Chadian authorities.
On February 8, 2025, a coalition of armed groups from Darfur, comprising the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and the Gathering of Liberation Forces of Sudan (GLFS), engaged the Chadian army following their incursion into Chad. This confrontation resulted in 19 casualties with six soldiers killed and approximately 13 wounded. The Chadian forces also successfully captured two commanders from the alliance and destroyed three military vehicles, transferring the captives to Amdjarass.
The clashes occurred in the tri-border area involving Sudan, Libya, and Chad, which is noted for military activities by various factions, including the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Neutral Force to Protect Civilians (NFPC), established for humanitarian purposes under recent military agreements, claims to have been coordinating its efforts with the Chadian government alongside these violent exchanges. The NFPC aims to safeguard civilians from the ongoing instability in the Darfur region.
In a subsequent statement, the NFPC indicated that their forces were attacked due to a breakdown in communication with Chadian authorities. They acknowledged the incident and requested the return of their captured personnel and military assets. Additionally, they expressed their commitment to collaborate with the Chadian government in addressing security concerns affecting both nations.
The NFPC had previously faced significant losses when attacked by the RSF near Kabkabiya in North Darfur. This incident highlights the precarious situation in the region as various armed groups vie for control, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and complicating regional security and civilian protection efforts.
The recent engagement between the Chadian military and armed groups from Darfur underscores the escalating tensions in the tri-border region among Chad, Sudan, and Libya. The area has experienced an influx of paramilitary activities, particularly from the RSF, which complicates the situation for civilians and humanitarian endeavors. Established to protect vulnerable populations, the NFPC’s involvement reflects an attempt to mitigate the violence while providing aid, though operational challenges persist.
The armed clash between the Chadian army and Darfurian groups on February 8 illustrates the heightened conflicts in the regional border areas. With multiple factions engaged and humanitarian efforts strained by violence and miscommunication, the necessity for cooperation between Chad and the NFPC is urgent. As the region faces continued instability, effective dialogue and collaboration will be essential for restoring security and supporting affected communities.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
