Chadian authorities have begun demolishing shelters at the temporary Adré camp for Sudanese refugees as part of efforts to relocate residents to permanent camps, according to refugee testimonies.
More than 10 homes inside the camp have been demolished or removed, refugees told Darfur24.
One refugee, who asked not to be named, said officials had explained that Adré was intended only as an emergency reception and transit site. Authorities said transferring refugees to established camps would make it easier to provide humanitarian assistance and essential services.
The refugee said Chadian authorities and the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, had spent several days trying to persuade families to leave, including by offering financial support and relief supplies to some households.
Those efforts reportedly failed to convince enough residents to relocate, prompting officials to begin removing shelters.
The demolitions were met with resistance from several young people in the camp, who intervened to stop the operation. The clearance work was subsequently suspended temporarily.
Residents expressed anger over the move, saying affected families had been left without shelter.
Refugees called on the authorities to halt any forced evictions and provide safe alternative accommodation before carrying out further relocations. They also urged officials to take into account the humanitarian needs of vulnerable residents, particularly children and elderly people.
Darfur24 said it was unable to obtain comments from the Chadian authorities or UNHCR regarding the refugees’ claims.
