UN: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Chad amid Surging Number of Sudanese Refugees

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is sounding the alarm on a critical situation in eastern Chad, where a surge in Sudanese refugees is overwhelming resources, reliefweb reported yesterday.

Since April 2023, conflict in Sudan has driven over 600,000 refugees and 180,000 Chadian returnees to Chad, with over 115,000 arriving this year alone, the source mentioned.

This influx shows no signs of stopping, with an average of 630 people fleeing daily from war and famine-like conditions in Sudan.

UNHCR and partners have established new settlements, but these efforts are overwhelmed. One-third of new arrivals remain in dire conditions at overcrowded border sites, with the town of Adre struggling to accommodate a massive population increase. This unsanitary environment has led to a health crisis, with over 1,200 Hepatitis E cases reported. The upcoming rainy season threatens further outbreaks.

Security is also deteriorating, with incidents of looting, vandalism, and drug trafficking. A refugee girl was tragically killed by a stray bullet recently.

The situation is further strained by intensified fighting in Sudan’s Darfur region, with potential for more displacement looming.

UNHCR urgently requests $80 million to build new settlements and relocate refugees from overcrowded areas. Only 10% of the $214.8 million requested for the entire response has been received so far. Time is running out to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe in Chad.