Sudan has accused Chad of supplying arms to rebel militias amid an ongoing civil war that erupted in April 2023. Justice Minister Muawiya Osman stated that the complaint has been lodged with the African Union and that the Sudanese government demands compensation for the alleged harm. Chad, however, denies these allegations, asserting its neutrality as the humanitarian crisis escalates.
On Tuesday, the Sudanese army-backed government officially accused Chad of providing arms to rebel factions, which appears to reference the paramilitary groups currently opposing government forces. This accusation comes amid a brutal civil war that erupted in Sudan in April 2023, involving ongoing clashes between the regular army, led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by its former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Justice Minister Muawiya Osman confirmed that the Sudanese administration had submitted a complaint regarding Chad’s alleged actions to the African Union. “We will present evidence to the relevant authorities,” Osman declared during a press conference in Port Sudan, where he is based due to the violence in Khartoum. He indicated that the government seeks compensation for the harm caused to Sudanese citizens due to Chad’s support for militants. In contrast, Chad denied these accusations last month, asserting its neutrality in the conflict. Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated, “We do not support any of the factions that are fighting on Sudanese territory — we are in favor of peace.” The ongoing conflict in Sudan has had devastating humanitarian implications, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing over 11 million individuals, with 3.1 million currently seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The United Nations is utilizing the Adre border crossing between Sudan and Chad for humanitarian assistance, with a temporary agreement about its usage set to conclude on November 15. The Sudanese government must make a decision on whether to extend this agreement.
The civil war in Sudan has been escalating since April 2023, stemming from power struggles between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary RSF. As both factions vie for control, accusations have emerged regarding external support for these groups. The allegations against Chad highlight the complexities of regional relations and the international ramifications of the Sudanese conflict. Over time, the humanitarian crisis has worsened, leading to mass displacement and significant loss of life.
The Sudanese government’s formal complaint to the African Union against Chad signifies the increasing tensions between neighboring countries amidst a devastating civil conflict. As Chad maintains its claim of neutrality, the situation remains fraught, reflecting the broader humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions and resulted in widespread suffering. The coming weeks will be critical as Sudan considers the future of humanitarian efforts and diplomatic relations in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
