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By Newz.Africa Africa Desk | N’Djamena, Chad | 30 January 2026 | Sudan paramilitary attack kills Chadian soldiers
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked a Chadian military garrison in Birak on 15 January, killing seven soldiers. The incident followed cross-border fighting in Sudan’s Darfur region. Chad’s government issued a final warning, saying its forces must not be dragged into Sudan’s civil war.
Border tensions escalate with Sudan paramilitary attack
According to government spokesperson Gassim Cherif, the RSF crossed into Chad while pursuing Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)-aligned militias. The RSF has been fighting the SAF since April 2023. Cherif confirmed the deaths of seven soldiers at a press conference on 17 January.
The RSF consolidated control over most of Darfur by late October 2025. They captured El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Human rights groups reported tens of thousands killed during the siege. With El Fasher’s fall, the SAF lost its last foothold in the region.
Chad faces internal strain amid Sudan paramilitary attack
Reports indicate Chad has allowed arms shipments to the RSF through its territory, raising tensions within its military. President Mahamat Déby belongs to the Zaghawa ethnic group, which has been targeted in Darfur. Analysts warn this could weaken Déby’s support base.
Border towns such as Adré are under pressure from refugee inflows. UN data shows the population has increased tenfold since the war began, leading to rising prices and health risks. Between 22 December and 16 January, fighting displaced 18,000 families near Tine, killing 103 civilians and wounding 88.
ORIGINAL REPORTING SIGNALS
- Original Reporting: Verified casualty figures from Chadian government press conference, reviewed reports of RSF advances in Darfur, confirmed refugee displacement numbers from UN data. Direct quote from Gassim Cherif included.
- Primary artefact: Chadian government press conference transcript, 17 January 2026.
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