Chadian Sudanese relations turn cold, risk deterioration

KHARTOUM, May 16, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — Warm relations between Sudan and Chad are turning cold and risk further deterioration as the neighboring African countries exchange accusations of supporting each other’s political opponents.

Informed sources have indicated that Chadian authorities accuse Sudan of making contacts with Chadian opposition groups and providing them with logistical assistance. N’djamena believes that Khartoum is engaged in talks with Hassan Saleh Aljeneid, chief of a Chadian opposition movement called the “Democratic Revolutionary Council.”

On the other hand, Khartoum had demanded on several occasions that Nd’jamena stop trafficking of weapons and ammunition in direction of the Sudanese rebels in Sudanese western region of Darfur.

While some circles within the Sudanese government put blame for the situation on Chadian president Deby personally, Sudanese security services seem wary that his close associates are acting without his knowledge, a Sudanese source has indicated.

Apparently, president Deby, who until recently did not heed reports of Chadian security services alleging Sudanese support for his opponents, is starting to show signs of his embarrassment of the alleged Sudanese intrigues, according to sources in the Chadian capital.

Khartoum may maintain relations with Saleh Aljeneid, of the Queraans tribe, in order to oblige N’djamena to stop any logistical and financial support to the rebels. Information coming from Khartoum alleges that anti-tank missiles and automatic rifles are delivered to the rebels directly from depots of the Chadian army.

Deby assumed power at the end of 1990, thanks to assistance of the current Sudanese regime. It was not the first time a Chadian president seized N’djamena starting from western Sudan with support of Sudanese authorities.

The Arab militia currently acting in Darfur against western Sudanese rebels has links to Chadian opponents. More especially as they all belong to Arab tribes.