Chad Refutes Allegations of Arming Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces
Chad has denied allegations of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, following claims from Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi who accused the Chadian government of facilitating military aid. Chad’s foreign minister affirmed that the nation is committed to peace and has taken in a large number of Sudanese refugees, while also refuting any military association with the United Arab Emirates.
Chad has categorically denied accusations of supplying military support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are engaged in a protracted conflict against the Sudanese army that has resulted in significant casualties since April 2023. The Sudanese army is led by de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, while the RSF is commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The claims were articulated by Minni Minnawi, the Governor of Darfur, who accused Chad of facilitating military aid to the RSF. Chief among Minnawi’s allegations was his assertion that he approached French authorities to intervene against Chad’s purported logistical support, particularly with respect to military equipment flowing through its territory to RSF-controlled areas in Sudan. In response, Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah emphasized that the country has no vested interest in exacerbating the conflict, asserting, “Chad has no interest in amplifying the war in Sudan by supplying weapons.” Koulamallah highlighted that Chad has already absorbed approximately 680,000 Sudanese refugees, which attests to its commitment to peace and stability in the region. He reaffirmed that the Chadian government does not take sides in the Sudanese conflict and that it maintains a relationship with the United Arab Emirates that does not involve military cooperation. Beneath the surface of these tensions lies a devastating humanitarian crisis: the ongoing conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, affecting approximately 26 million people who now suffer from acute food insecurity, with the situation worsening in places such as the Zamzam displacement camp in Darfur. The concerning dynamics have prompted international scrutiny regarding supplies reaching the RSF, with a report from the Sudan Conflict Observatory claiming that weapons have been transported from the UAE to the RSF through northeastern Chad. This adds layers of complexity to the already dire situation, as accusations and counter-accusations circulate amid a backdrop of humanitarian need and geopolitical maneuvering.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, primarily involving the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The violence has resulted in widespread loss of life and a humanitarian crisis, prompting countries in the region to engage in diplomatic assertions regarding their roles in the conflict. The accusations against Chad stem from significant refugee movements and the interplay between Chad and other nations like the United Arab Emirates, which are seen as influential players in the conflict. As Chad grapples with the humanitarian fallout of the war, it faces scrutiny over its alleged military connection to the RSF, despite its public declarations of neutrality and humanitarian support.
In summary, Chad has firmly rejected allegations of supporting the RSF with weapons in their ongoing conflict against the Sudanese army. The Chadian government stresses its advocacy for peace and its significant role in providing refuge to displaced populations from Sudan. As tensions mount and humanitarian needs escalate, the complexity of international relations and their impact on regional stability remain a focal point for concerned authorities.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
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