Chad officially accused Sudan of supporting and arming rebel groups with the aim of destabilizing Chad, according to a statement from the Chadian Government in N’Djamena. Foreign Minister Abdraman Koulamallah criticized Sudan’s alleged “subversive activities”, accusing it of backing terrorist groups in the region to threaten Chad’s stability.
The Chadian government voiced particular concern over a Zaghawa rebel group led by Ousman Dillo, the brother of opposition figure Yaya Dillo Djérou, who was killed by the Chadian army. These actions have rekindled longstanding tensions between the two countries; in 2008, a similar Sudan-based Zaghawa rebellion launched an offensive against Chad, forcing former President Idriss Déby Itno to rely on French support to retain power. Déby’s death during a 2021 rebellion led his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, to the presidency. He was officially elected President in 2024.
Chad’s stance comes amid heightened tensions, with reports that Sudan recently hosted meetings with exiled Chadian rebels, including General Mahamat Nour Abdelkerim. Relations have worsened as both nations accuse each other of destabilization attempts. In late October, Chad refuted allegations of involvement in Sudan’s conflict following claims that it was supplying arms sourced from the United Arab Emirates.
Chad’s military reported heavy fighting on November 9 against a faction of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. According to a November 10 press release, 96 militants were “neutralized,” while 17 Chadian soldiers were killed and 32 others injured. President Mahamat Idriss Déby subsequently held a security meeting before departing for Saudi Arabia to attend the Arab-Islamic summit.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to an estimated 20,000 to 150,000 deaths, according to medical sources, and has displaced over 10 million people, fueling one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region, according to the United Nations.