Chad hosts over 680,000 Sudanese refugees

Chad is currently hosting over 680,000 refugees who have fled the devastating conflict in Sudan. The crisis has seen an alarming increase in the number of people seeking refuge, with 60,000 new arrivals in just the past month alone, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The vast majority of these new refugees are women and children, many of whom have endured harrowing journeys, walking long distances across harsh terrain before reaching Chad’s borders.

The refugees arrive with heartbreaking stories of loss and trauma. One such refugee shared their experience of fleeing the violence in Sudan, explaining, “We had nothing to eat at home, part of my house was also burnt down. Before we left, seven people were killed in front of our house. Nights have always been terrifying for us. There are so many people who have been killed.” Their story is far from unique. Many of the refugees come from El-Geneina and surrounding areas, having lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods, including cattle, goats, and poultry. For many, the loss of everything they knew has left them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

While Chad has opened its borders and provided refuge, the country itself is facing a serious challenge in accommodating such a large influx of displaced people. As one of the poorest nations in the world, Chad’s already fragile infrastructure and economy are under immense strain. The country is grappling with multiple crises, including ongoing conflict, a worsening climate crisis, and severe food insecurity. The scale of the refugee crisis is the largest in Chad’s history, further compounding the nation’s vulnerabilities.

The UNHCR and other aid organizations have been working tirelessly to provide assistance, but resources remain limited. The situation is made even more challenging by insufficient humanitarian funding. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized the need for new approaches to refugee displacement. “In a context of non-stop humanitarian emergencies, insufficient humanitarian funding, and increasingly protracted displacement, we need to rethink our approaches to refugee displacement to make them more sustainable,” Grandi said. The long-term nature of the crisis means that both the refugees and the host communities are facing enduring hardships, with little relief in sight.

Chad’s government and humanitarian agencies have been focusing on providing basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, but the scale of the crisis continues to outstrip available resources. With the numbers of refugees growing daily, there is growing concern about the capacity of local infrastructure and services to meet the rising demand. Furthermore, the influx of refugees into Chad is not only putting pressure on resources but also affecting the social fabric of host communities. While many Chadians have shown great solidarity and compassion toward the refugees, there are also concerns about rising tensions, especially in areas where resources are already scarce.

The situation in Chad is part of a larger, regional crisis, as millions of Sudanese have been displaced by the ongoing war that has torn their country apart. Since fighting broke out in Sudan in April 2023 between rival factions, the situation has escalated, causing widespread destruction and displacing millions both inside Sudan and in neighboring countries. Chad, which shares a long border with Sudan, has become one of the main destinations for those seeking safety.

The international community has called for increased support for both the refugees and the host countries like Chad. Humanitarian organizations are appealing for more funding to provide essential services and support, including health care, education, and livelihood programs. But the road ahead remains uncertain, as the conflict in Sudan shows no sign of abating, and the refugee crisis continues to strain Chad’s already limited resources.

In addition to the immediate humanitarian needs, there are calls for a long-term strategy to address the root causes of displacement and ensure the integration of refugees into their host communities. This would include addressing issues such as access to education, employment, and land for farming, as well as improving infrastructure and public services.

The refugee crisis in Chad highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and increased investment in both humanitarian aid and development assistance. As the war in Sudan rages on, the situation for both the refugees and the people of Chad remains dire. Without a sustainable and coordinated response, the prospects for a lasting solution to the crisis remain uncertain.

In the face of such overwhelming challenges, the resilience and determination of the refugees in Chad, as well as the solidarity shown by local communities, offer a glimmer of hope. However, the need for international support remains critical to ensuring that the refugees are not only provided with immediate relief but also the chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.