On February 8, 2025, the Chadian army engaged in clashes with an armed alliance from Sudan, resulting in numerous casualties. The Neutral Force to Protect Civilians was launched to protect civilians in the region, but communication failures led to recent hostilities. Tensions continue to rise with the involvement of the RSF and ongoing military actions in the area.
On February 8, 2025, clashes erupted between the Chadian army and an armed alliance of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and the Gathering of Liberation Forces of Sudan (GLFS). This conflict, which occurred in the tri-border area of Sudan, Libya, and Chad, resulted in 19 casualties and the capture of two enemy commanders. The Chadian forces suffered six fatalities and sustained injuries to approximately 13 soldiers, leading to the destruction of three military vehicles and the seizure of the captured leaders in Amdjarass.
The incident follows the establishment of the Neutral Force to Protect Civilians (NFPC), which was formally launched on January 12, aimed at safeguarding civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid delivery in Darfur, Sudan. Military sources reported an increase in activities by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) within the same region, with notable confrontations occurring in El Fasher last month. The NFPC has been operating under a mandate to cooperate with the Chadian government while ensuring the safety of both populations.
The armed alliance involved claimed that their forces were attacked by the Chadian border protection due to a breakdown in communication, resulting in casualties and lost military assets. In response, the NFPC extended an apology to the Chadian authorities for the misunderstanding and expressed a desire to collaborate on security matters. They also requested the return of captured personnel, military vehicles, and personal properties.
Notably, on January 16, the NFPC faced significant losses from an RSF attack near Kabkabiya, leading to numerous fatalities among civilians and soldiers, alongside further vehicle destruction. This series of events highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the complex interplay of military engagements near the borders of Chad and Sudan.
The conflict in the tri-border area of Sudan, Libya, and Chad has intensified due to the ongoing operations of paramilitary groups, particularly the RSF. The establishment of the NFPC seeks to stabilize the region by providing civilian protection amidst the fighting. The increasing military activities and cross-border incursions underscore the geopolitical complexities that have long plagued this area, particularly as local alliances shift in response to security dynamics.
The recent altercation between the Chadian army and the armed alliance signifies escalating tensions in the tri-border region. The establishment of the NFPC reflects attempts to protect civilians and administer humanitarian aid, yet communication failures have exacerbated conflicts between factions. Ongoing skirmishes, particularly involving the RSF, pose significant challenges to stability and peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
