Chad’s president and Sudanese intelligence chief discuss border security

October 7, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — The director of the National and Intelligence Security Services (NISS) Mohamed Ata al-Moula was in Ndjamena on Friday for talks with the Chadian president Idriss Deby on security issues at the joint border.

Sudan and Chad normalized their relations in January 2010, after several years of tension between the two neighbuors. Khartoum and Ndjamena traded accusations of supporting rebel groups from the two sides.

In March 2010 They deployed a 3000 soldiers joint force to prevent cross-border attacks and a number of economic projects were launched between the two countries.

The two countries intensified their consultations since last month after the return of the leader of Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) Khalil Ibrahim to Darfur through the Chadian border.

The meeting “discussed several topics of common interest. These include peace in Sudan and Chad, security along the border between the two countries and strengthening (bilateral) cooperation”, said the Chadian presidency in a statement released after the meeting on Friday.

On 27 September, Chadian President Idriss Deby reassured his Sudanese counterpart of Ndjamena’s commitment to the security agreements signed by the two countries.

Muhammad Ismael Chibou, Chad’s president special envoy, told reporters after his meeting with President Bashir he discussed issues related to the close relations between the two countries particularly the security cooperation.

Ata al-Moula was accompanied by the Major General Yagoub Ismail director of ground operations of the Sudan Armed Forces.

Deby was embarrassed by the transit of the Sudanese rebel through the Chadian territory. Unconfirmed reports say some Chadian officials were involved in the operation. It was also said that the former head of Chadian intelligence was sacked from his position after the return of JEM leader to Darfur.

Sources also say Sudan seeks to convince Deby to participate in a joint action against JEM rebels arguing they represent a risk for the political stability in the two countries.

Khalil Ibrahim said this week he is working with other Sudanese rebel groups on how to overthrow the regime of President Bashir. Rebel groups from Darfur and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said they are determined to dislodge the National Congress Party from power.

NISS chief said last Thursday that the apparent calm in Darfur does not delude them and they are monitoring rebel activities in the region.

(ST)