Chad summoned the Central African Republic's ambassador to N'Djamena on Sunday to protest a military incursion by CAR forces into Chad's territory. The incursion occurred on Saturday in the Abou Nbek region near Tissi, resulting in severe injuries to soldiers and civilians. Chad's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Kogri, requested that the ambassador convey a formal protest and warning to the Bangui government, seeking detailed explanations for the incident.
The incident has heightened tensions between the two nations, with Chad emphasizing its commitment to defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizens' security. The Chadian government cautioned that repeated incidents of this nature would have consequences. In response, CAR's defense ministry reported that its forces had conducted airstrikes and ground operations in the Fakaga region, targeting what it described as foreign mercenaries preparing to launch an attack.
CAR's defense ministry did not provide specific details on the nationality or affiliations of the targeted individuals but stated that operations were being coordinated with Russian military specialists. The ministry did not disclose the exact number of casualties or damage sustained during the operations. The incident has brought the issue of border security to the forefront of relations between N'Djamena and Bangui.
This is not the first time the two nations have experienced tensions over border incidents. Chad's foreign ministry noted that the region has witnessed repeated incursions since 2021, emphasizing that recent events cannot be viewed as isolated incidents. A similar crisis occurred in May 2021, resulting in the deaths of six Chadian soldiers.
During the 2021 incident, N'Djamena accused CAR forces of attacking a military site, abducting, and executing five soldiers. Bangui, however, claimed that the exchange of fire was accidental and occurred during the pursuit of rebels. Both nations subsequently requested a joint investigation by the United Nations and the African Union to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to a Chadian military source, Russian forces carried out airstrikes on a rebel site within Chad, resulting in injuries. However, this account remains attributed to the source, as the two nations have provided conflicting accounts of the incident's location and nature.
The current incident has strained relations between Chad and the Central African Republic, with both nations maintaining their respective positions on the matter. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the two nations navigate their complex relationship and regional security concerns.
Key points
- - Chad recalled CAR's ambassador to protest a military incursion that injured soldiers and civilians. - CAR's defense ministry reported conducting operations against foreign mercenaries in the Fakaga region. - The incident has strained relations between the two nations, highlighting ongoing border security concerns.
