Chad-Sudan border crisis: closed frontier and regional instability impacting N’Djamena

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis, with nearly a million individuals seeking refuge in neighboring Chad. This influx has positioned Chad on the front lines, particularly following the recent fall of El-Fasher in North Darfur. In just two weeks, approximately 100,000 civilians fled the city, with about 6,000 crossing into Chadian territory. This critical situation places immense strain on a nation already grappling with years of regional instability.

A strategic border under heightened pressure

The extensive 1,300-kilometer border between Chad and Sudan traverses vast, often ungovernable desert regions. Traditionally exploited by various militias and rebel groups, these areas now face an escalating threat from the advancing Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have consolidated control over most of Darfur.

Since December 2024, military tensions have mounted significantly. Incidents include a drone strike that claimed the lives of two Chadian soldiers, and an incursion near Tiné in January 2025, attributed to the RSF, which resulted in seven fatalities.

In response to these incursions, N’Djamena has implemented a complete closure of its border, citing the direct threat of the Sudanese conflict spilling over into Chadian territory.

Declared neutrality, persistent allegations

Chad maintains its official stance of neutrality in the Sudanese civil war. However, multiple investigations, including satellite analyses, suggest that weaponry originating from the United Arab Emirates may have been transported through Chadian territory to aid the RSF. Chadian authorities vehemently deny these claims, emphasizing their own vulnerability to strikes and incursions.

This complex situation has exacerbated internal divisions within Chad. In April 2025, several high-ranking military officials were dismissed, particularly those from the Zaghawa ethnic group, which holds significant influence within the security apparatus and has historically opposed the RSF.

A strategic re-engagement with France

Following a period of strained diplomatic relations, the Chadian government is once again strengthening its ties with Paris.

The Sudan issue has now become a central topic in discussions between President Mahamat Idriss Déby and French President Emmanuel Macron. France previously provided vital intelligence support, which was indispensable for securing the volatile Chad-Sudan border. With this support having diminished, a revitalization of these diplomatic relations is perceived as a strategic imperative for N’Djamena.