Chad is preparing for a potential surge of Sudanese refugees after fierce fighting between General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur.
UNHCR coordinator Jens Hesemann estimated roughly 90,000 refugees could reach Chad within three months, though the number may rise or fall unpredictably.
Sudan’s embassy in Chad projected around 60,000 refugees, while local NGOs reported 6,000 registered arrivals in the Tawila displaced persons camp since October 26.
Estimates from nearby towns suggest between 30,000 and 40,000 civilians may be moving toward Chad.
Travel routes toward Chad are perilous, with smugglers charging over $1,000 and ongoing clashes along northern paths slowing movement.
Aid workers anticipate refugees will arrive in catastrophic condition, with children and malnourished women taking up to 17 days to reach safety.
Existing camps in Chad are overcrowded, facing famine and cholera risks, while aid agencies struggle to meet even half of current refugee needs.
Chad’s government called for immediate international support, stressing the country’s crucial role in regional stability and Sudanese peace efforts.
UN officials and NGOs warned that without urgent funding, the humanitarian response risks being overwhelmed, endangering thousands of vulnerable refugees.
