By Micah Jonah, February 23, 2026
Chad has closed its eastern border with Sudan following deadly clashes that killed several Chadian soldiers and civilians. The decision, announced by Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif, was prompted by repeated incursions by forces involved in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
The closure is intended to protect Chadian citizens and refugees, maintain territorial stability, and prevent the conflict from spilling further into Chad. Clashes on Saturday in the border town of Tina between Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and militia fighters loyal to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) killed five Chadian soldiers and three civilians, wounding 12 others.
Since the civil war erupted in April 2023, fighting between SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has periodically crossed into Chadian territory, causing casualties and property damage.
Political analyst Kholood Khair warned that the border closure may limit humanitarian aid to Sudan at a time when famine rates are rising sharply, making it more difficult for people fleeing violence to reach safety in eastern Chad.
Chad currently hosts nearly one million Sudanese refugees. While the border is closed until further notice, exceptions for humanitarian purposes may be granted with prior government approval. Additional Chadian troops are being deployed to reinforce security in the border region.
The conflict in Sudan has killed tens of thousands and displaced 11 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations.
