RSF Captures Al‑Tina, Extending Darfur Control On 21 February 2026 the Rapid Support Forces announced they seized the border town of Al‑Tina on Chad’s frontier, following December 2025 advances that took two nearby towns. A Telegram video posted by the group showed fighters raising a banner with the town’s name, signaling total control. Al‑Tina had previously been held by joint forces allied with Sudan’s regular army [2].

Chad Closes Eastern Border to Prevent Spillover Two days later, on 23 February 2026, Chad announced the closure of its eastern border with Sudan “until further notice.” Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif said the move aims to stop armed incursions and keep the Sudan war from spilling into Chadian territory. The government allowed “exceptional humanitarian exemptions” only after prior authorization from relevant authorities [1].

Clash in Al‑Tina Kills Soldiers and Civilians Heavy fighting between RSF and army‑aligned fighters in Al‑Tina resulted in five Chadian soldiers and three civilians dead. At least twelve additional people were wounded in the same engagement. The casualties prompted Chad’s decision to seal the border and heightened security alerts along the frontier [1].

Refugee Influx and Displacement Reach Crisis Levels Since the war began in 2023, roughly one million Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad, straining the country’s resources. The United Nations estimates that the conflict has displaced 14 million people, describing it as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The influx underscores the importance of the limited humanitarian exemptions granted by Chad’s border closure [1][2].

Sudan’s Army Accuses Chad of Aiding RSF Sudan’s regular army publicly alleged that Chad supplies the RSF with logistical support and permits weapons transit through Chadian territory. Chad’s government rejected the accusation, insisting it remains neutral and is only defending its sovereignty. The dispute adds diplomatic tension to the already volatile security situation along the border [1].

RSF Dominates Darfur, UN Labels Atrocities Genocide Following the capture of Al‑Tina, RSF now controls most of Darfur, having taken El‑Fasher in October 2025. The UN fact‑finding mission has labeled recent RSF actions in the region as “genocide,” citing mass killings, rapes, and kidnappings. The consolidation of RSF power intensifies concerns about further civilian casualties and displacement [2].