Chad is grappling with a surge of refugees fleeing violence from Sudan’s Darfur region, with more than 20,000 people arriving in the country over the past two weeks, according to the United Nations.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has raised alarms over the rapid influx of Sudanese refugees crossing into eastern Chad, many of whom are women and children who have endured significant trauma. UNHCR’s representative in Chad, Magatte Guisse, described the situation as dire, noting that nearly 20,000 people have arrived within just 14 days. “This sharp increase in arrivals is a direct result of the intensifying conflict in Sudan’s North Darfur, especially around the city of El-Fasher,” Guisse stated. “The violence is forcing people to flee at an unprecedented rate.”
The refugees, escaping widespread violence and fear, arrive with limited resources, many having lost their homes and personal belongings in the conflict. Most are crossing the border without food, money, or proper documentation, which heightens their vulnerability.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has pitted the Sudanese army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing battle for power has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced more than 13 million people, creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. The situation in Darfur has worsened, particularly in El-Fasher, which remains the last major city in the region still under Sudanese control. RSF forces have been concentrating efforts to capture the city in response to their recent losses in Khartoum.
UN reports indicate that at least 542 civilians have been killed in North Darfur in the past three weeks, though the actual toll is expected to be higher. The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the attacks on civilians and called for immediate action to protect those fleeing the violence. “The attacks on civilians must stop, and those seeking refuge must be allowed to do so safely,” Guisse stressed.
Chad, which is already home to over 1.3 million refugees—including nearly 800,000 from Sudan since the start of the conflict—has seen its resources stretched to the limit. The country faces growing demands for basic services such as food, water, healthcare, shelter, and education.
With the number of refugees continuing to rise, the UNHCR has warned of the urgent need for increased international support. The agency has called for $409 million in funding for its operations in Chad this year, yet only 20% of the required funds have been raised to date.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the international community faces mounting pressure to provide both immediate relief and sustainable solutions to support Chad and its growing refugee population.