Chad declares 4 Sudan’s embassy officials persona non grata, orders them to leave within 72 hours

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – Chad has declared four senior officials of Sudan's Embassy in N'Djamena "persona non-grata," ordering them to leave the country within 72 hours.

The Foreign Ministry summoned Sudanese Ambassador to Chad Osman Mohamed Younis on Saturday and informed him of the decision, as well as ordering the mission's first counselor, defense attache, and two consuls to leave the country, according to a statement from the ministry.

The decision to expel the officials was made in response to "unfriendly remarks" made by the Sudanese army against the Chadian government, said the statement.

“This measure follows serious and unfounded remarks by the Sudanese army deputy chief of staff Lt Genl Yasir al-Atta accusing Chad of interfering in the inter-Sudanese conflict,” the ministry said.

It said the accusations were “reiterated by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Assadickh” recently on a local television channel.

“The recurrence of such comments by the Sudanese authorities towards the Republic of Chad and its government is simply unacceptable, unfriendly and reveals an ulterior motive,” the statement added.

Since April 15, fighting has erupted in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other cities.

Chad hosts thousands of refugees and asylum seekers from Sudan fleeing war.

The Chadian government said it remains committed to providing all assistance in the search for peace as well as welcoming thousands of Sudanese refugees who have fled the war on its territory.