The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a significant increase in refugees fleeing to neighboring countries. According to the United Nations, over 55,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into eastern Chad since the start of the year. This number is part of a larger crisis, with 11.3 million people 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 conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 200,000 deaths, according to aid workers. The war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world's largest hunger and displacement crisis. The UNHCR refugee agency reports that nearly one million people have crossed into Chad, with many more expected to follow as fighting and insecurity continue in parts of Sudan.
The pace of arrivals in Chad has accelerated sharply in recent weeks, with over 400 people per day crossing the border areas of Adre and Tine in eastern Chad. This represents a significant increase from previous months, with the daily rate now around 20 times higher. The situation is particularly dire in the Darfur states, as well as in Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where fighting, including airstrikes and drone attacks, is forcing more people to flee.
The UNHCR has expressed concern 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 currently hosting over 4,300 people, with urgent needs for shelter, water, sanitation, and protection services. The UNHCR has warned that the declining support risks pushing refugees to move on in search of safety, legal status, and a viable future. Many refugees are likely to seek alternative routes, including to Europe.
Mamadou Dian Balde, the UN's regional refugee coordinator for the Sudan situation, emphasized the need for increased support. He stated that the situation is dire and that more needs to be done to address the crisis. The UNHCR is working to provide assistance to refugees, but more funding is needed to respond to the growing needs.
The crisis in Sudan and the resulting refugee crisis in Chad and other neighboring countries are expected to continue unless a resolution is found to the conflict. The international community is urged to provide more support to address the humanitarian needs of those affected. Key efforts are needed to provide refugees with shelter, water, and protection services.
Key points
- Over 55,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to eastern Chad this year.
- The conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 200,000 deaths and 11.3 million displaced people.
- The UNHCR has received only 18 percent of the required funding to respond to regional refugee needs.
