Chad accuses Sudanese general of ‘threats’, vows to defend territory
March 24, 2025 (N’DJAMENA) – Chad’s government on Sunday accused a top Sudanese military leader of making “threats” against its security and territorial integrity, vowing to respond forcefully to any aggression, further escalating tensions between the two neighbours amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
In a strongly worded press release, Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Chadians Abroad said it had noted with “profound gravity” statements by Yasir al-Atta, assistant commander-in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The ministry said al-Atta had issued “explicit threats” and accused him of behaviour akin to a declaration of war.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chad expresses its strong condemnation of these irresponsible statements, which can be interpreted as a declaration of war if actions follow them,” the statement said. “Chad reserves the right to respond forcefully to any attempt at aggression against our country, whatever its origin.”
The statement added: “If a single square meter of Chadian territory is threatened, Chad will respond under the principles of international law.”
The Chadian government’s sharp rebuke underscores the growing fragility of regional stability as Sudan’s internal conflict nears its second year.
Sudan has accused Chad of facilitating United Arab Emirates military support through its N’djamena and Amdjarass airports. In addition, The Sudanese army says that strategic drones were launched from Chad, targeting different sites in northern and central Sudan.
The Sudan lodged complaints to the UN, the African Union, the UAE, and Chad, but both countries deny these claims.
“It is appropriate to reiterate that the conflict in Sudan is an internal matter, the sole responsibility of the warring parties,” the Chadian Foreign Ministry emphasized.
N’Djamena stressed its commitment to hosting hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees who have fled the fighting, describing this as a demonstration of its dedication to regional peace and stability.
The statement further urged al-Atta and other actors in the Sudanese conflict to focus on achieving an immediate ceasefire and engaging in constructive dialogue. “Chad reaffirms with determination its willingness to collaborate actively with all parties wishing to contribute to a rapid return of peace in Sudan. Any other approach would be unacceptable,” it concluded.
The press statement was signed by the ministry spokesperson Ibrahim Adam Mahamat, in N’Djamena. The Sudanese government has not yet responded publicly to the Chadian statement.