Chadian Army Clashes with Darfur Alliance Resulting in Casualties and Captures
An armed alliance consisting of the SLM and GLFS clashed with the Chadian army, resulting in 19 casualties, including six soldiers dead, and two commanders captured. This confrontation took place in a tri-border area amid growing tensions and humanitarian efforts led by the NFPC. The NFPC communicated an apology to Chad after a communication breakdown led to the clash and reiterated its readiness to cooperate with the government regarding security issues.
On February 8, 2025, the Chadian army engaged in combat with an armed alliance comprising the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Nur and the Gathering of Liberation Forces of Sudan (GLFS) under Tahir Hajar after the alliance crossed into Chad. This clash, which occurred in the tri-border area of Sudan, Libya, and Chad, resulted in significant casualties, including six Chadian soldiers killed and around 13 wounded, along with the destruction of military vehicles and the capture of two commanders, who were subsequently transferred to Amdjarass, Chad.
The Neutral Force to Protect Civilians (NFPC), launched on January 12, aims to safeguard civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance in the Darfur region. Their operations have garnered attention due to escalating actions by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been actively transporting military assets from Libya into Sudan. Last month, clashes occurred between RSF and joint forces allied with the Sudanese military in El Fasher, North Darfur State.
According to the NFPC, their troops were cooperating with the Chadian government along the northwestern border, adhering to their mandate established in January. However, a communication breakdown with the Chadian government led to the unexpected attack by the Chadian border protection force, resulting in a casualty report and the capture of personnel and military assets. The NFPC has since issued an apology to Chad and has requested the return of their captured personnel and equipment.
The armed alliance has expressed a willingness to collaborate further with the Chadian authorities on security matters affecting both nations. Notably, on January 16, they endured heavy losses in a RSF attack near Kabkabiya in North Darfur, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the region. This underscores the urgent need for effective communication and coordination between military forces across these borders.
The conflict in the tri-border area of Sudan, Libya, and Chad is marked by ongoing military clashes, particularly involving paramilitary groups and new alliances formed to provide humanitarian support. The NFPC emerged from a desire to shield civilians amid rising tensions and operations targeting both military and civilian interests in the region. Communication failures between these factions and state forces have escalated tensions, leading to direct confrontations and complicating efforts for peace and humanitarian aid.
The recent engagement between the Chadian army and the armed alliance illustrates the volatile security situation in the tri-border region, compounded by communication challenges and the active involvement of paramilitary groups. The NFPC’s acknowledgment of miscommunication and commitment to cooperation is pivotal for addressing border security and humanitarian needs. Continued violence, exemplified by recent RSF attacks, calls for renewed diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and safety for civilians.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
