Sudanese refugee population in Chad reaches 1M amid aid cuts
by@Reuters
Summary
In Chad, approximately 1.4 million Sudanese refugees, including families like Ahmad Yahya's, find themselves in a state of prolonged displacement due to ongoing conflicts in Sudan, particularly a civil war between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Since the latest fighting erupted, nearly 974,000 people have fled to Chad, compounding the challenges faced by already vulnerable populations. Humanitarian assistance remains inconsistent, exacerbated by a significant decline in funding, leading aid organizations to call for a shift towards combining immediate relief efforts with long-term development strategies to sustain those affected.
Analysis
Chad: Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa bordering Sudan to the east. It has hosted Sudanese refugees for over two decades, including those displaced by the Darfur conflict and the more recent civil war that began in 2023. The government has extended legal protections allowing refugees rights to work and move within the country. Ahmad Yahya: Ahmad Yahya is a Sudanese refugee who arrived in Chad's Iridimi camp in 2003 as a child fleeing violence in North Darfur. He now lives there with his extended family, including his wife and children, while attempting to support them through limited farming and aid. His experience highlights the multi-generational impact of prolonged displacement without resolution. Alhadi Saleh: Alhadi Saleh is a Sudanese refugee who reached Chad's Iridimi camp in 2003 after escaping violence in his village in North Darfur. Recently married, he lives in the camp and seeks part-time work such as repairing cell phones or driving to sustain himself and his wife. His situation reflects the ongoing economic difficulties faced by long-term residents amid aid shortages. Sadam Ismail: Sadam Ismail is a Sudanese refugee who fled to Chad's Iridimi camp in 2003 alongside family members from North Darfur. Unmarried and seeking better opportunities, he has undertaken risky journeys including attempts to reach Europe and labor work near borders with Libya and Niger. He continues to navigate the challenges of life in the camp with reduced support. UN refugee agency: The UN refugee agency, known as UNHCR, coordinates international protection and assistance for refugees and asylum seekers. In Chad, it manages camps such as Iridimi, works with the government on refugee response, and advocates for shifting from short-term relief to longer-term development and peacebuilding efforts. It partners with organizations to address the needs of Sudanese refugees amid funding constraints. Sudan Conflict: The civil war in Sudan remains active, with the Sudanese army and RSF continuing to battle for control amid accusations of atrocities on both sides. Refugee Response: UNHCR and partners in Chad are working with the government to expand livelihood programs and agricultural support as emergency humanitarian assistance declines. Humanitarian Approach: Aid organizations are calling for a paradigm shift in refugee support to combine immediate relief with longer-term development and peacebuilding initiatives.
Categories
macropolitics