South Sudan and Chad have strongly condemned threats made by Sudanese Assistant Deputy Commander in Chief General Yasir al-Atta, warning that such rhetoric risks escalating regional instability.
In a speech on Sunday, al-Atta declared that Chad’s airports in N’Djamena and Amdjarass were “legitimate military targets” and accused South Sudan of harboring “traitors.” His remarks come amid Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has already displaced millions and destabilized neighboring countries.
Juba swiftly denounced the threats in a statement on Monday, calling them a “blatant violation of international law.” The South Sudanese government reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace but warned that it would take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty.
Chad has yet to issue an official statement, but diplomatic sources indicate growing concern in N’Djamena over Sudan’s widening conflict and the potential for cross-border hostilities.
The latest tensions highlight the broader regional fallout of Sudan’s nearly two-year war, with fears that neighboring states could be drawn further into the conflict.