On September 21, 2026, Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad marked World Peace Day by renewing their calls for an end to the war in Sudan, which has been ongoing since April 2023. The refugees, who are living in camps in eastern Chad, expressed their desire to return to their homes and end their displacement and refugee status. They highlighted the difficult living conditions in the camps, including a lack of food, medicine, and job opportunities.
The refugees also spoke about the risks they face while searching for ways to provide for their families. Some refugees reported working in difficult conditions for low wages, while others have been forced to travel to seek employment, only to be killed or go missing. Fatoum, a refugee in the Majik camp, said that the war and displacement have exhausted Sudanese families and called for an end to the conflict.
The refugees also highlighted the impact of the war on children, who have been forced to grow up in difficult conditions and have missed out on education and other opportunities. Hajja Sa'ad, a refugee in the same camp, said that she wants the war to end so that she can return to her home and provide a better life for her children. She called on all parties to the conflict, including General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the United Nations, to work towards a solution.
Another refugee, Habiba, expressed her desire for the war to end and for Sudan to be at peace. She said that the refugees have lost loved ones and continue to suffer, and called on all parties to work towards a ceasefire. Suleima, another refugee, reported that the refugees face many challenges, including a lack of access to basic needs like food, medicine, and education.
The refugees also highlighted the impact of the war on women and children, who have been disproportionately affected by the conflict. Suleima said that many refugee families are headed by women, who are struggling to provide for their children. She called for an end to the war, which she said is the only way for the refugees to return to Sudan.
In a related development, the Darfur Women's Forum has launched a call for an end to the war and the protection of civilians. The forum's coordinator, Alawia Mukhtar, said that women are bearing the brunt of the conflict and called for an end to the violence. She emphasized that peace is not just a slogan, but a fundamental right that requires action and commitment from all parties.
The Darfur Women's Forum is calling for the involvement of women in peace efforts and the promotion of social cohesion. Alawia Mukhtar said that women have shown their ability to lead initiatives to promote coexistence and solidarity, despite the challenges posed by the war. The forum is demanding support for affected communities and an end to the violence, which it says is the only way to achieve a just and sustainable peace.
Key points
- The refugees are calling for an end to the war in Sudan, which has been ongoing since April 2023.
- The refugees are facing difficult living conditions in the camps, including a lack of food, medicine, and job opportunities.
- The Darfur Women's Forum is calling for the involvement of women in peace efforts and the promotion of social cohesion.
