KHARTOUM (Reuters) – South Sudan and Chad have condemned threats made by a senior Sudanese military commander and warned of the risk of regional escalation.
In a speech on Sunday, Lieutenant General Yasir al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, said regarding Chad, “We warn them that N’Djamena airport and Amdjarass airport are legitimate targets for the Sudanese Armed Forces.” He also accused South Sudan of harboring what he described as “corrupt agent centers of influence.”
South Sudan denounced these statements in a Monday statement, describing them as a “blatant violation of international law.” It affirmed its commitment to peace but warned it would take all necessary steps to defend its sovereignty.
Chad issued a similar statement on Sunday, saying Atta’s remarks “could be interpreted as a declaration of war” and pledged a “firm and appropriate” response to any attack.
These statements come amid escalating accusations by Sudan against the UAE for supplying drones to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, allegations the UAE denies. However, UN experts and US lawmakers say these claims are credible.
Sudan has stated that some of these operations were launched from Chad.
Khartoum has taken the matter to the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice, accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide against the Masalit tribe in Darfur.
The war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which broke out in April 2023, has displaced millions and strained relations with neighboring countries.
Despite mediation efforts by Chad and South Sudan, Sudanese military leaders are increasingly accusing both countries of aiding the Rapid Support Forces.
