South Sudan and Chad have expressed strong disapproval of threats issued by a senior Sudanese general, highlighting concerns over potential regional conflict.
In a speech delivered on Sunday evening, General Yasir al-Atta, the Sudanese Assistant Deputy Commander in Chief, labeled Chad’s airports in N’Djamena and Amdjarass as “legitimate military targets” and accused South Sudan of sheltering “traitors.”
In response, Juba released a statement on Monday condemning these comments as a “clear violation of international law.” The government reiterated its dedication to peace while asserting its readiness to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.
Chad echoed this sentiment in a statement on Sunday, suggesting that Atta’s remarks could be seen as a “declaration of war” and promising a “firm and proportionate” reaction to any aggression.
These statements arise amid Sudan’s escalating claims that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has provided drones to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are in conflict with the government in an ongoing war that has lasted nearly two years. The UAE has denied these allegations, although U.N. experts and U.S. lawmakers have deemed them credible.
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Sudan has asserted that some operations were conducted from Chad’s territory.
Khartoum has brought this matter before the U.N. Security Council and the International Court of Justice, accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide against the Masalit ethnic group in Darfur.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has resulted in millions being displaced and has strained relations with neighboring nations.
Despite mediation efforts from Chad and South Sudan, Sudanese military leaders have increasingly accused these countries of supporting the RSF.
