Deby orders measures to avoid spill of Darfur clashes into Chad

March 15, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Chad’s transitional military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby ordered his forces to prevent the spread of West Darfur tribal clashes into his country.

On March 9, Deby visited Abéché the capital of Ouaddai region, close to the West Darfur state within a national tour to inspect the security situation as his government has started peace talks with the armed groups in Doha, Qatar.

In a meeting with local military leaders attended by the defence minister, Ouaddai governor and the commander of the joint Chadian-Sudanese joint border force, the head of the transitional stressed that the security forces have to protect the country and its borders.

Alluding to Sudan, he said: “There are many political and security problems in the neighbouring (…), and we must take the necessary measures and strive to protect the borders and enhance security”.

“Tribal problems there should not be exported to Chad,” he stressed.

The visit to Abéché coincided with the renewed clashes over a land dispute on March 5 in the Jebel Moon area of West Darfur State between the Arab and Masalit tribes.

When the clashes started between the two groups in November 2021, thousands of Masalit fled to Abéché.

Chad transitional authorities and some 44 political and armed opposition groups are meeting in Doha for negotiations in a process aiming to reach a political platform leading to national reconciliation and elections in the country.

(ST)