Chad on Brink of Chaos: RSF Attack Sparks Tensions Amid Cholera Outbreak

Chad's recent events have shed light on a long-standing issue – the ongoing struggle for control over the resources and borders of Chad. A brazen daylight attack by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Sudan on January 15, 2026, left seven Chadian soldiers dead near the border, further straining already tense relations between the two countries.

Chad, one of the most fragile states in Africa, has long been caught in the crossfire of regional rivalries and conflicts that have pockmarked its history since independence from France in 1960. The country's strategic location at the heart of the Sahel region, where North Africa meets sub-Saharan Africa, has made it a prized possession for various powers seeking to exert influence over the lucrative oil and mineral resources that underpin the region's economies.

The ongoing conflict in Darfur, Sudan, which began in 2003, has been a particularly significant factor in Chad's relations with its southern neighbor. The Janjaweed militia, backed by the Sudanese military, has launched repeated attacks on Chadian territory, prompting President Idriss Déby to deploy troops to the border region in support of his Sudanese counterpart, Omar al-Bashir.

However, the latest attack by RSF forces marked a new escalation in tensions between the two countries. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle for control over the region's resources and borders, as well as the deep-seated historical grievances that have fueled long-standing animosities between Chadian and Sudanese forces.

In eastern Chad, another crisis is unfolding – a cholera outbreak that has claimed dozens of lives among refugees who have fled violence and persecution from neighboring countries. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many aid organizations warning of a potential catastrophic impact if international assistance fails to materialize.

The recent attack by RSF forces serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for control over the resources and borders of Chad. This incident reflects broader regional dynamics, including the complex history and ongoing struggles faced by Chad since independence from France in 1960.

Looking ahead, several key factors will shape the future of Chad and the Sahel region. Regional diplomacy, economic development, humanitarian response, and security sector reform are crucial for promoting stability and security. The conflict in Darfur is just one example of how regional tensions can spill over into neighboring countries, leading to humanitarian crises and destabilization.

The situation in Chad serves as a microcosm of the larger regional dynamics, where the Sahel region has been plagued by instability and conflict for decades. Addressing the economic challenges facing Chad and other countries in the Sahel region, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to resources, is essential for promoting stability and security.

The recent events in Chad highlight the need for greater international cooperation to address the underlying causes of instability in the region. Prioritizing cooperation and diplomacy is crucial for promoting stability and security in the region.