At least 42 people have lost their lives in eastern Chad following violent clashes that erupted between two families over access to a critical water source. The unrest escalated into deadly reprisals, prompting authorities to intervene swiftly to restore order.
During a visit to Igote village in the Wadi Fira province—near the border with Sudan—Vice-Premier Minister Limane Mahamat confirmed the casualties, stating that 42 individuals were killed and 10 others injured. The wounded were promptly transferred to the nearest provincial health facility for urgent care.
The vice-premier minister noted that the retaliatory violence had spread across a broad area, necessitating military deployment to curb further escalation. He assured that the situation is now under control thanks to the rapid response of the armed forces.
To address the root causes of the conflict, authorities announced plans to initiate a traditional mediation process in Igote village. Additionally, legal proceedings are underway to identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.
Intercommunal violence over scarce resources remains a recurring challenge in Chad. Last year, clashes between farmers and herders in the country’s southwest resulted in 42 fatalities and the destruction of several homes by fire.
The government has pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent destabilization in the border region, where these recent clashes occurred. The eastern provinces of Chad have been under immense strain due to the influx of refugees fleeing the ongoing war in Sudan.
The humanitarian crisis has intensified as hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad since the conflict began, placing additional pressure on local resources and security infrastructure.
In February, Chad temporarily closed its border with Sudan, citing the need to curb the spread of the conflict onto its territory. This decision followed reports of armed factions from the war-torn nation crossing into Chad.
The war in Sudan has claimed over 40,000 lives, according to United Nations estimates, though humanitarian organizations warn the actual death toll could be significantly higher.
This devastating conflict has triggered the world’s largest displacement crisis, displacing more than 14 million people. It has also exacerbated the spread of diseases and pushed certain regions of Sudan to the brink of famine.