June 3, 2026
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The conflict in Sudan has triggered a profound humanitarian emergency, compelling nearly one million people to seek refuge in neighboring Chad. The situation has become increasingly dire following the fall of El-Fasher in North Darfour. In just two weeks, this event caused almost 100,000 civilians to flee the city, with approximately 6,000 of them managing to cross into Chad. This influx places immense strain on a nation already grappling with the consequences of long-standing regional instability.

Les Soudanais ont afflué par milliers au Tchad voisin pour fuir les combats<span class="copyright">Zohra Bensemra/REUTERS</span>” decoding=”async” data-nimg=”fill” class=”object-cover object-center” style=”position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KY5bq7E4fOQP9xpciUMxXg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk7Y2Y9d2VicA–/https://media.zenfs.com/fr/deutsche_welle_fr_953/39964f0366a55c4c146dd405bf9711d8″></div></figure><h3><b>A strategic frontier under immense pressure</b></h3><p>The 1,300-kilometer border separating the two nations cuts through vast desert areas that are notoriously difficult to monitor. These regions, historically exploited by militias and rebel groups, are now under threat from the advance of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have asserted control over most of Darfour.</p><p>Military tensions have escalated since December 2024. A drone strike resulted in the deaths of two Chadian soldiers, and an incursion near Tiné in January 2025, attributed to the RSF, left seven people dead.</p><p>In response to these incursions, N’Djamena has completely sealed its border, citing the imminent danger of the conflict spilling onto its soil.</p><h3><b>Stated neutrality amid persistent accusations</b></h3><p>Chad officially maintains a neutral position in the Sudanese war. However, multiple investigations, supported by satellite imagery analysis, suggest that weapons originating from the United Arab Emirates may have been transported through Chadian territory to aid the RSF. Chadian authorities vehemently deny these claims, highlighting that their own forces have also been targets of strikes and cross-border attacks.</p><p>This precarious situation is fostering internal divisions. In April 2025, several senior military officers were dismissed, notably from the Zaghawa ethnic group, which has a significant presence in the security apparatus and a history of opposition to the RSF.</p><h3><b>A strategic rapprochement with France</b></h3><p>Following a period of strained diplomatic relations, the Chadian government is moving closer to Paris once again.</p><p>The Sudanese crisis has become a central topic in discussions between President Mahamat Idriss Déby and French President Emmanuel Macron. Previously, France had provided critical intelligence support, which was essential for securing the border. With that support having waned, N’Djamena now views a renewal of warm relations as a strategic necessity.</p></body>
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