The government of Chad on Monday announced the closure of its border with Sudan until further notice, following several clashes between Chadian soldiers and armed groups involved in the conflict across the frontier.
Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif said the decision was prompted by repeated violations of Chadian territory.
“This decision follows repeated incursions and violations committed by the forces involved in the conflict in Sudan on Chadian territory,” Cherif said in a statement, adding that the move aims to halt “any risk of the conflict spreading” to Chad.
Sudan has been engulfed in fighting between government troops and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for nearly three years. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced about 11 million people, triggering what the United Nations describes as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The paramilitary group has carried out several operations near the Chad border. According to Chadian authorities, at least nine Chadian soldiers have been killed in separate incidents since December.
In its statement, the Chadian government said it “reserves the right to retaliate against any aggression or violation of the inviolability of its territory and its borders.”
It added that cross-border movements of goods and people are suspended. However, “exceptional exemptions” may be granted for humanitarian reasons.
