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Against the bleak backdrop of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, Chad stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the looming specter of an escalating refugee crisis. The UN Refugee Agency has sounded the alarm, highlighting the imminent risk of a surge in refugee flow from Darfur into Chad. This dire forecast is underpinned by a distressing lack of basic necessities, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations already dealing with the ravages of the conflict in Sudan.
As the conflict in Sudan approaches its one-year anniversary, its repercussions reverberate far beyond the country’s borders, casting a particularly profound shadow over neighboring Chad.
Chad, already burdened with its own socioeconomic challenges, now confronts the formidable task of accommodating an influx of refugees fleeing the horrors of war. Against this backdrop of adversity, enhanced humanitarian aid and substantial development investment in Chad emerges as an urgent imperative, crucial for stabilizing the country’s fragile socioeconomic fabric and sustaining its commendable tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need.
Despite the formidable challenges it faces, Chad steadfastly upholds its commitment to providing refuge to those fleeing persecution and conflict, embodying the noble principles enshrined in international humanitarian law. In navigating the complex terrain of refugee management and humanitarian response, Chad exemplifies resilience and solidarity, embodying the spirit of compassion and empathy.
This influx of refugees, predominantly comprising women and children, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support mechanisms to address their vulnerabilities.
Women make up a staggering percentage — more than two-thirds — of arrivals in Chad and many of them have endured harrowing experiences of gender-based violence, including rape. The necessity for comprehensive support, encompassing medical and psychological assistance, cannot be overstated.
While the UN Refugee Agency endeavors to provide essential services, the magnitude of the challenge far surpasses the available resources, leaving a glaring gap in the provision of adequate support for the forcibly displaced. In addition, Chad faces the staggering burden of accommodating nearly half a million internally displaced persons and returnees, further underscoring the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis unfolding within its borders.

By mid-February, the tally of new refugees seeking sanctuary from the harrowing conflict in Sudan soared past the half-million mark, solidifying Chad’s position as the primary destination for those fleeing the turmoil that erupted a year ago next month. This influx catapults Chad to the forefront as Africa’s foremost host of refugees on a per capita basis, with 1.1 million refugees in a population of almost 19 million. Among this multitude are not only those who have sought refuge amid the recent escalation of violence in Sudan, but also individuals displaced by preceding conflicts, hailing from diverse nations including the Central African Republic, Nigeria and Cameroon.

Chad steadfastly upholds its commitment to providing refuge to those fleeing persecution and conflict.

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Kelly T. Clements, the UN Refugee Agency’s deputy high commissioner, underscored the gravity of the situation during a visit to Chad this month. She engaged with local officials to evaluate the prevailing conditions and strategize on the necessary response. Expressing the concerns of the Chadian authorities, Clements articulated the apprehension regarding the anticipated influx of famished Sudanese families in the coming weeks.
Clements added that Chad’s unwavering commitment to maintaining open borders, despite the inherent fragility of the region, underscores its humanitarian ethos. However, such magnanimity exacts a toll on Chad, with the country bearing the weight of hosting refugees not only from the protracted Sudanese conflict but also from preceding humanitarian crises.
An expected new surge in refugee arrivals, particularly from Darfur, poses a formidable challenge and is likely to further strain Chad’s already stretched resources and infrastructure. The burden of accommodating and providing for an increasing number of displaced individuals against the backdrop of socioeconomic fragility again underscores the urgency of concerted international action.
This means that the international community must rally behind Chad by offering tangible support and solidarity to alleviate the burgeoning humanitarian crisis and to foster sustainable solutions.
Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, Chad urgently requires substantial development investment to fortify its capacity to absorb and integrate refugee populations seamlessly. Investing in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities holds the key to unlocking the potential for sustainable development and resilience-building within refugee-hosting communities. By bolstering its socioeconomic foundations, Chad can mitigate the adverse impacts of the refugee influx and pave the way for long-term stability and prosperity.
The challenges confronting Chad extend beyond the realm of humanitarian aid, encompassing broader geopolitical dynamics and regional security considerations. Influxes of refugees from conflict-ridden regions inevitably pose security risks, highlighting the imperative for robust international cooperation in negotiating a ceasefire in Sudan and bringing an end to the devastating war.
As the international community wrestles with an array of crises and challenges, the plight of refugees in Chad serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us. The principles of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity must guide our actions as we endeavor to build a more inclusive and equitable world.
In conclusion, the escalating refugee crisis in Chad demands urgent attention and action from the international community. Enhancing humanitarian aid, bolstering development investment and fostering regional cooperation are vital to alleviate the suffering of displaced populations and pave the way for sustainable solutions. As we stand at a pivotal juncture in history, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of a better future.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh