Chad has announced the closure of its eastern border with Sudan, a decision prompted by repeated incursions and violent clashes involving armed groups linked to Sudan's ongoing civil war. This announcement comes in the wake of recent deadly confrontations in the border town of Tine, where forces backing both the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) clashed, resulting in the deaths of five Chadian soldiers and three civilians, with many others injured. The violence has escalated tensions and security risks for Chad, which shares a long border with the war-torn Sudan.

The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, ignited by a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Following a breakdown in negotiations to transition to civilian governance, the conflict swiftly spiraled into one of the most significant humanitarian crises in the world, with the UN estimating tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. The ramifications of this turmoil are not limited to Sudan; neighboring countries like Chad are facing increased security challenges as combatants and refugees spill across borders.

Chad's border closure is a critical move in protecting its territorial integrity and addressing the influx of violence from the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Moreover, this action raises alarms about the broader regional stability in the Sahel, as the humanitarian fallout from Sudan's conflict threatens to exacerbate existing tensions in an already volatile area. Continued monitoring and support for the situation will be essential as neighboring countries respond to the fallout from Sudan's internal strife.