Today's Edition
Abdullah Abu Dhaif (NIAMEY)
Chad’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Saleh Al-Nazif has lauded the United Arab Emirates for its humanitarian role and unwavering support to Chad during a surge in Sudanese refugees. In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Al-Nazif discussed the importance of the UAE’s prompt assistance in hosting a significant number of Sudanese refugees who fled their homeland, emphasising that the UAE was the first country to extend comprehensive support to Chad.
“The UAE is executing numerous developmental and humanitarian projects aimed at bolstering our bilateral relations. Chad sees the UAE as one of its most crucial strategic partners in international relations,” stated the Chadian Foreign Minister, praising the deep strategic ties between the two nations.
Al-Nazif also highlighted Chad’s vote in favor of UAE hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Chad recognised the UAE’s active engagement in climate change projects, as well as its commitment to combatting global food insecurity. These shared objectives have further strengthened the relationship between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that Chad’s neighboring nations are grappling with various conflicts, adding that the recent influx of approximately 700,000 Sudanese refugees has strained developmental efforts. Even in the face of this difficult crisis, Chad is devoted to seeking diplomatic solutions and promoting peace in conflict-ridden neighboring countries, he said.
Furthermore, Chad’s stability is of great importance for both regional and global communities, Al-Nazif emphasised, adding that economic and developmental resources are of great importance for the nation, particularly concerning refugee hosting.
Al-Nazif emphasized the significance of Chad’s stability for both regional and global communities, highlighting the importance of supporting the nation with economic and developmental resources, particularly concerning refugee hosting.
Moreover, the Minister disclosed Chad’s support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiative in resolving the crisis in Niger. He stressed the importance of avoiding military intervention and supporting peace initiatives among Sudanese parties.
Al-Nazif revealed that he has recently discussed a roadmap for resolving the Sudanese crisis with several African foreign ministers.
“Chad has been in contact with all relevant parties in hopes of hosting a comprehensive conference or facilitating dialogue to end the 5-month-long crisis”, he said, reiterating that the parties involved in the conflict have no interest in resolving the African crises.
Instead, there is a need to reach consensus on specific initiatives in each country, the Minister said. “Chad is actively coordinating with various stakeholders within the continent to resolve current issues through peaceful and diplomatic means,” he elaborated.
The Foreign Minister highlighted Chad’s transition from a conflict and terrorism-ridden nation to a country that facilitates vital developmental projects aimed at improving living standards and reshaping the nation’s image as an essential regional and international conflict resolution mediator.
He also drew attention to Chad’s efforts to revive Lake Chad, a significant environmental and developmental project previously impacted by desertification, and urged international entities to assist Chad in addressing climate change by providing funding.
In conclusion, the Minister expressed hope that the COP 28 conference would yield satisfactory results for Africa in confronting the effects of climate change.
