Thousands Arrive in Chad Amid Sudan’s Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Thousands of Sudanese families are fleeing the country’s bloody civil war, arriving in neighboring Chad, a nation already grappling with severe poverty and humanitarian needs. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has sparked the world’s largest displacement crisis, with nearly 12 million people forced to flee their homes.
More than 4.3 million Sudanese refugees have crossed into neighboring countries since the outbreak of the war, according to the latest United Nations data. Tens of thousands are still waiting to enter eastern Chad, hoping for safety and access to food in a country where over seven million people already require humanitarian assistance, at least half of them children.
In the border town of Tine, dozens of families arrive daily. Residents like Abdulsalam Abubakar describe skyrocketing food prices, saying that the same amount of money now buys far less than it did just days ago. Traders, such as Khadijah Kurgule, explain that the massive influx of refugees has increased demand, pushing prices higher.
The recent wave of refugees fleeing RSF-led attacks in Darfur has added to the more than one million Sudanese already in Chad. Humanitarian aid workers warn that rising competition for food, water, and shelter could heighten tensions between refugees and host communities.
At aid distribution points, long queues are now common, and local hospitals and schools are overwhelmed. John-Paul Habamungu, a UNHCR representative, said 57% of the incoming population are school-age children, yet there are no educational facilities available for them. “We don’t have the funding to construct temporary learning spaces or recruit teachers,” he explained.
The European Union recently imposed sanctions on Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, deputy leader of the RSF, over alleged crimes during the assault on el-Fasher. The sanctions include a travel ban, asset freezes, and restrictions on profits, signaling the international community’s intent to hold perpetrators accountable.
The crisis in Sudan shows no signs of slowing, and the continuous arrival of refugees in Chad underscores the urgent need for humanitarian support and international intervention.
Conclusion: As Sudanese families seek safety in Chad, the world watches a deepening humanitarian crisis unfold. Share this story and stay informed on the human impact of Sudan’s war.