The civil war in Sudan, which began two years ago, has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis. Fighting between the Sudanese government and the Rapid Support Forces has displaced over 13 million people throughout the country.
Nearly a million Sudanese have crossed into Chad, seeking refuge in camps along the country’s eastern border. These camps already hosted a population of refugees, some residing there for nearly 20 years. Since the start of Sudan’s civil war, camps in eastern Chad have hosted over 772,000 new and over 216,000 returning refugees, mostly women and children. This is on top of a population of 350,000 or so living in camps prior to the war.
Amid this challenging context, HIAS continues to provide services to displaced people throughout the country - as they have for two decades. HIAS is currently implementing two projects in Chad that have impacted over 63,000 people, combined. Just over 40,000 refugees have arrived in Chad this year. The flow of people has decreased lately, due in part to Ramadan, a period in which fighting tends to be less intense. But soldiers have also blocked roads throughout Sudan, forcing people to travel on dangerous routes to escape the country.
Location of Chad in Africa
Sudan's conflict, explained
Deteriorating Conditions in the Camps
In the Adre Camp, signs of deteriorating conditions are evident. Some refugee women have turned to sex work in order to stay afloat. Even among the refugees themselves, the daily scarcity of necessities is eroding the social fabric. “Every day, there is less and less,” says Djondang.
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Food distribution from humanitarian agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP) lasts only 10 days. To help, LWF has launched livelihood activities so refugees can produce their own food. "We are doing everything we can," says Djondang. "But without more support, we simply won’t be able to provide for all the families in need. Water, food, and sanitation are basic human rights.
A refugee camp (example image)
Impact on Local Resources and Host Communities
The influx of refugees is increasing pressure on local resources. This restriction has led to rising tensions. The host community-already struggling with poverty-does not see justification in the food distribution and cash handouts for refugees.
“For 20 years, refugees from Sudan have come to our communities,” says Idriss Koni Chidi, sub-prefect of the Hadjer Hadid municipality. “Some of our fields are now used for the refugee camps, we must share water and firewood. Do not forget about us."
The Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts
The foreign aid cuts have had a serious impact on many aspects of work, most notably for mental health and psychosocial services. Funding for their livelihood and will face severe consequences without it.
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The following table summarizes the key statistics related to the refugee crisis in Chad:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| New Refugees (since start of Sudan civil war) | 772,000+ |
| Returning Refugees (since start of Sudan civil war) | 216,000+ |
| Pre-War Refugee Population in Camps | 350,000 |
| People Impacted by HIAS Projects | 63,000+ |
| Refugee Arrivals This Year | 40,000+ |
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