Chad closed its eastern border with Sudan “until further notice” on Monday saying the move was needed to stop repeated incursions by Sudanese armed groups.
A government spokesperson said the decision aimed to protect citizens but added that “exceptional exemptions, strictly justified by humanitarian reasons”, may be granted with prior authorisation from the relevant authorities.
The closure was announced after heavy fighting erupted in the border town of al‑Tina between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and local fighters aligned to the Sudanese army.
Almost a million Sudanese have crossed the border into Chad since the civil war broke out in 2023.
Chad is also an important entry point for humanitarian workers and convoys heading to its war-ravaged neighbour.
Chadian authorities said the border closure was introduced as a security precaution after the war in Sudan drew closer to Chadian territory, amid reports that Sudanese militants had crossed into Chad.