Deadly fighting has broken out in southern Chad, where government forces have clashed with fighters from the Movement for Peace, Reconstruction and Development (MPRD) in Korbol, a locality in Moyen Chari Province.
The confrontations, which began on January 13, 2026, have left a toll of several dead people and others wounded on both sides, according to security and local sources. The violence marks a fresh escalation in tensions between the Chadian authorities and the armed group.
In a statement issued on January 16, the United Arab Emirates condemned what it described as “criminal acts” linked to the unrest. The UAE reaffirmed its rejection of all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism, warning against actions that threaten security and stability.
https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/1/16/UAE-Chad
Chad’s General Staff of the Armed Forces said it deployed troops to Korbol to restore order and protect civilians. Military officials accused armed groups of carrying out repeated disturbances and abuses against local populations, prompting the security operation.
The MPRD, a group historically active in the region however, offered a different account. Ahead of the clashes, the group warned against the deployment of government forces, accusing authorities of preparing a military confrontation. It also claimed the government had abandoned dialogue efforts and issued ultimatums demanding that its fighters disarm.
Djinodji SOLMENGAR
