The United Nations has reported that over 55,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into eastern Chad since the start of the year. The UNHCR refugee agency warned that continued fighting and worsening insecurity in parts of Sudan are forcing more families to seek safety across the border. This development comes amid an ongoing conflict between Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in an estimated 200,000 deaths and created the world's largest hunger and displacement crisis. Currently, around 11.3 million people remain forcibly displaced due to the conflict, including 6.4 million people inside Sudan and 3.5 million who have fled across borders as refugees. The UNHCR reported that nearly one million people have crossed into Chad since the crisis began.
According to Mamadou Dian Balde, the UN's regional refugee coordinator for the Sudan situation, the pace of arrivals in Chad has accelerated sharply over the past week. He stated that more than 400 people a day are now crossing the border areas of Adre and Tine in eastern Chad, which is around 20 times the daily rate seen over the previous few months. The situation remains dire in the Darfur states, as well as in Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
The UNHCR has expressed concerns that humanitarian support is not keeping pace with needs. The agency has so far received only 18 percent of the $1.6 billion required this year to respond to regional refugee needs linked to the Sudan crisis. In Chad, over 190,000 refugees remain in difficult conditions in border areas, with most refugees now surviving on less than half the minimum amount of water needed daily.
The transit centre in Tine is hosting more than 4,300 people amid urgent needs for shelter, water, sanitation, and protection services. The UNHCR warned that declining support risks pushing refugees to move on in search of safety, legal status, and a viable future. This could lead to further displacement and migration.
Balde cautioned that if support does not increase, refugees may be forced to seek alternatives. He noted that people will "vote with their feet," and this is already being seen in relation to Europe and other routes. The UNHCR is working to address the needs of refugees in Chad and other countries affected by the Sudan crisis.
The situation in eastern Chad remains critical, with thousands of refugees continuing to arrive every day. The UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies are working to provide assistance, but more support is needed to address the growing needs of refugees. The international community is urged to provide additional funding to support the response efforts.
Key points
- Over 55,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to eastern Chad this year.
- The conflict in Sudan has resulted in an estimated 200,000 deaths and 11.3 million displaced people.
- The UNHCR has received only 18 percent of the $1.6 billion required to respond to regional refugee needs linked to the Sudan crisis.
