Chadian authorities have tightened controls along the Sudan border, requiring official passports for crossings and sharply reducing transport and trade between the neighbouring countries.
The restrictions, now in their tenth day, have effectively closed key official crossings along the 1,350-kilometre frontier, disrupting movement and commerce relied upon by Darfur communities.
Sources told that the measures have begun affecting local economies, as regular cross-border supplies declined and markets faced growing shortages of essential goods.
Smuggling activity has increased through unofficial routes, particularly at night, with food commodities such as sugar entering Sudan at higher transportation costs.
Darfur markets have recorded rising food prices and frequent fluctuations driven by reduced imports and uncertainty surrounding continued border access.
Currency traders in El Geneina reported the Chadian franc weakening against the Sudanese pound, reflecting declining trade activity caused by ongoing border restrictions.
