Massive troop deployment signals heightened tension Large Ethiopian formations moved toward the northern frontier of the Tigray region in early February, with satellite‑derived images and social‑media videos confirming convoys of armored vehicles and infantry units concentrated near the border [1]. The federal government has not issued an official statement, but analysts link the buildup to lingering grievances from the 2022 cease‑fire that ended a war killing roughly 600,000 people [1]. Military observers note that the scale of the deployment exceeds previous post‑conflict patrols, suggesting preparation for possible offensive operations [1].

Displaced youth echo community anxiety Fifteen‑year‑old Million Mehari, who fled Humera for Sudan during the 2020‑2022 war and returned to the Tshehaye displacement camp in 2025, says rumors of renewed fighting dominate conversations among camp residents [1]. She fears that the new troop concentrations could trigger fresh hostilities, jeopardizing the fragile return‑to‑home process for thousands of internally displaced persons [1]. Humanitarian NGOs in the camp have reported increased requests for protection and food aid amid the heightened insecurity [1].

Chad shuts eastern border to block Sudan spillover On 23 February 2026, Chad announced the closure of its eastern frontier with Sudan after intense fighting erupted in the border town of al‑Tina, killing five Chadian soldiers and three civilians [2]. The government said the shutdown would remain “until further notice” but may allow tightly controlled humanitarian exemptions [2]. Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif emphasized that the move aims to prevent the Sudanese civil war from spilling into Chad and to safeguard both citizens and the roughly one million Sudanese refugees already hosted in the country [2].

Rapid Support Forces claim capture of al‑Tina The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) posted a Telegram video on 21 February 2026 announcing they had seized al‑Tina, a strategic town on the Chad‑Sudan border, after earlier advances in December 2025 [3]. The RSF’s statement highlighted the town’s importance for supply routes and for extending their control across northern Darfur, where they have dominated most of the region since taking El‑Fasher in October 2025 [3]. Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi condemned the takeover as a “criminal act against civilians,” while the Sudanese regular army has not publicly responded [3].

Humanitarian crisis deepens across borders The Sudan war, now in its third year, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced about 14 million people, a situation the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis [3]. Chad’s border closure complicates aid delivery to the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons reliant on cross‑border convoys [2]. Meanwhile, the UN fact‑finding mission has labeled recent RSF atrocities in Darfur as “genocide,” underscoring the urgency of international intervention [3].

Contrasting official narratives fuel uncertainty Sudan’s regular army has remained silent on the RSF’s al‑Tina claim, creating ambiguity about the actual control of the town [3]. Conversely, Chad refutes Sudanese accusations that it is aiding the RSF, insisting that any support to armed groups is denied [2]. These divergent statements highlight the complex information environment surrounding the conflict’s expansion into neighboring states [2][3].