Chad has strongly condemned remarks made by a senior Sudanese general, describing them as a “declaration of war” after he threatened to target Chadian airports.
In a statement, Chad’s foreign ministry warned that it would respond in accordance with international law if any part of its territory was attacked. The response came after Sudanese Army Deputy Commander Lt-Gen Yasir al-Atta accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of using Chad’s airports to supply weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan’s rival faction in an ongoing civil war.
The Sudanese military has long alleged that the UAE has been providing arms to the RSF, accusations that the UAE has denied. However, UN experts have described reports of weapon smuggling through Chad as “credible.”
Lt-Gen Atta escalated tensions by stating that airports in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, and the eastern city of Amdjarass were “legitimate targets.” He also warned of “retaliatory action” against the UAE, South Sudan, and Chad’s President Mahamat Déby.
His comments follow Sudan’s recent decision to take the UAE to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its alleged support for the RSF. South Sudan, which has also been accused of backing the RSF, has denied supporting any faction in the conflict.
Speaking at a ceremony for an army officer killed in an RSF drone strike, Lt-Gen Atta declared, “We know what we are saying, and our words are not a joke at all, nor are they spoken lightly.”
The situation remains tense as Chad asserts its sovereignty and Sudan continues its accusations.
