The conflict in Sudan is raising fresh regional concerns after Chad accused the Sudanese army of carrying out an airstrike on its territory.
The Chadian army said aircraft and drones believed to be linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces, SAF, pursued and struck a convoy more than 100 kilometres inside Chad on August 20. The convoy was reportedly carrying reinforcements for the Rapid Support Forces, RSF, which is fighting the SAF in Sudan.
The United States has condemned the strike and warned against the involvement of external powers in the conflict.
U.S. adviser for Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, said there was no military solution to the war and called for a humanitarian truce, civilian protection and unrestricted humanitarian access. He also urged the United Nations Security Council to expand its arms embargo beyond Darfur to cover the whole of Sudan.
The war began in April 2023 following a power struggle between the SAF and RSF and has continued despite repeated ceasefire efforts.
Saudi Arabia was also reported to have financed Turkish drones and Pakistani weapons for the SAF.
The SAF has also reportedly used Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drones, while Chinese-made systems have been deployed by the RSF.
Turkey’s political relationship with Sudan’s military leadership has also deepened, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan meeting army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Ankara in June.
The growing involvement of foreign powers has raised concerns that Sudan’s war could increasingly destabilise neighbouring countries and complicate efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
