Sudanese Arrivals in Chad Surge 20-Fold as Aid Shortage Deepens

A refugee settlement in Africa. Representative image. Photo credit: Unsplash.

 The number of Sudanese people crossing into neighbouring Chad has risen sharply as fighting and humanitarian conditions worsen in Sudan, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

UNHCR says more than 400 people a day have been arriving in eastern Chad over the past week. The agency said the rate is around 20 times higher than the recent average, highlighting the growing pressure on communities and humanitarian organisations along the border.

The new arrivals are fleeing areas affected by Sudan’s prolonged conflict, including parts of Darfur and other regions where fighting and insecurity have continued.

Humanitarian funding remains critically low

Children at a humanitarian assistance site in Africa. Representative image. Photo credit: Unsplash.

The increase in arrivals comes as humanitarian agencies face a major shortage of funding.

UNHCR and its partners have appealed for substantial financial support to assist refugees and displaced people across countries neighbouring Sudan. UNHCR’s 2026 regional response plan includes Chad among the main countries receiving people fleeing the conflict.

According to UNHCR’s 2026 planning figures, Chad was already hosting more than 1.3 million Sudanese refugees at the end of 2025, and the agency projected the refugee population could reach about 1.48 million by the end of 2026.

The humanitarian response includes assistance such as shelter, food, water, healthcare, protection and relocation support. UNHCR’s latest situation updates show that humanitarian organisations continue to operate across several provinces of Chad hosting Sudanese refugees.

Sudan’s war continues to drive displacement

Sudan has been experiencing a prolonged conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023.

The conflict has created one of the world’s largest displacement crises. People have fled both within Sudan and across its borders, with Chad becoming one of the principal destinations for those escaping violence.

The latest surge in arrivals is adding further pressure to an already stretched humanitarian operation.

Aid agencies are warning that without additional funding, their ability to provide basic assistance to newly arriving refugees and vulnerable communities could become increasingly limited.

Key Facts

• Country receiving refugees: Chad

• Main affected border region: Eastern Chad

• Recent arrivals: More than 400 people per day, according to UNHCR reporting cited by Reuters

• Increase: About 20 times the recent average

• Sudanese refugees hosted by Chad at end-2025: More than 1.3 million

• 2026 projected refugee population in Chad: About 1.48 million

• Main needs: Food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection