Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces said that clashes with Chadian troops along the border were unintentional after fighting late last week killed seven Chadian soldiers and raised fears that Sudan’s conflict could spill further into the region.  

What happened: In a statement released on Telegram Monday, the RSF expressed “deep regret for the unfortunate events that occurred as a result of unintentional clashes with the brotherly Chadian forces.” The group insisted the incident was not deliberate, saying it resulted from an “unintentional error during field operations” in pursuit of what it described as Muslim Brotherhood militias and mercenary groups, likely referring to affiliates of the Sudanese Armed Forces.

“These groups deliberately incited unrest and then fled back into Chadian territory according to a carefully planned scheme to create a confrontation between our forces and the Chadian forces,” the RSF claimed. The paramilitary group accused Minni Arko Minawi, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement, whose forces are aligned with SAF, and Gibril Ibrahim, head of the Justice and Equality Movement, of attempting to “create a crisis” with Chad and the wider region. 

The RSF said it respected Chad’s sovereignty and borders, adding that it was committed to investigating the incident and taking “necessary measures” to hold those responsible accountable.