Mar 26, 2026
By Jennie van den Boogaard, Director of Global External Relations and Marketing
The civil war that erupted in Sudan in April 2023 has precipitated the world’s largest and most urgent humanitarian crisis, with nearly one million Sudanese individuals seeking refuge in neighboring Chad. These new arrivals are swelling the ranks of existing refugee populations in camps along Chad’s eastern border, many of whom have been displaced for nearly two decades. The sheer volume of new arrivals has placed an unprecedented strain on local resources and humanitarian services, overwhelming the existing infrastructure. In a period of just over two years, Chad has received more Sudanese refugees than it did in the preceding two decades combined, highlighting the acute and rapidly deteriorating situation. This surge in need is further exacerbated by drastic cuts to humanitarian aid, pushing both the newly arrived Sudanese refugees and their long-term resident counterparts, as well as the host Chadian communities, to the precipice of survival. Despite these formidable challenges, HIAS Chad continues its critical work, providing essential services to refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities, a commitment that has spanned more than twenty years.
The Shifting Landscape of Displacement in Chad
Chad has emerged as a critical destination for displaced populations in Africa, now hosting over 1.8 million individuals, a figure that represents the highest number of refugees per capita on the continent. The primary origins of these displaced people and refugees are Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), Nigeria, and Cameroon. These diverse groups have arrived in Chad at various times since 2001, driven by a confluence of factors including persistent violence, political instability, systemic persecution, and the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.
The current refugee influx is predominantly driven by the devastating civil war in Sudan, a conflict that pits the Sudanese government forces against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This brutal internal conflict has displaced over 14 million people within Sudan, creating a desperate exodus. Since mid-April 2023, more than 900,000 individuals have fled across the border into Chad, escaping not only the widespread fighting but also a resurgence of ethnic violence, particularly in the Darfur region. While Chad has historically maintained an open-door policy for refugees, the nation’s own resources are critically stretched, with more than 40% of its existing population already reliant on humanitarian assistance. This creates a complex humanitarian scenario where the needs of both refugees and the host population are immense and often competing.
The Multifaceted Challenges Facing Refugees in Chad
The daily existence for refugees and displaced persons in Chad is fraught with peril and deprivation. Access to adequate food and shelter remains a persistent struggle for many. Opportunities for sustainable livelihoods are scarce, leading to widespread economic vulnerability. Women and girls are particularly at risk, facing the threat of gender-based violence both during their arduous journeys and within the confines of refugee camps. The limited access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and education further compounds their vulnerability, making them susceptible to exploitation and entirely dependent on the precarious lifeline of humanitarian aid.
These existing challenges have been dramatically amplified by significant reductions in humanitarian funding. The consequences of these cuts are stark: reduced food assistance, diminished healthcare services, and critical gaps in protection programs, especially for survivors of sexual violence. This has left countless vulnerable individuals without the support necessary for their survival and well-being.
Adding another layer of complexity to the humanitarian situation are the recurring environmental crises. Chad is increasingly impacted by severe droughts and devastating floods, which take a heavy toll on communities. These climate-related disasters erode livelihoods, exacerbate food insecurity, and contribute to widespread displacement. In 2024, the Chadian government was compelled to declare a state of food emergency for the third consecutive year, underscoring the severity of the situation. Despite these mounting pressures, Chad has demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering commitment to its open-door policy for refugees, a stance it has maintained for over two decades.
The Devastating Impact of Humanitarian Aid Cuts
The repercussions of reduced humanitarian aid, particularly from the United States, have been profoundly damaging. In early 2025, a significant reduction in U.S. humanitarian aid globally directly impacted Chad. Humanitarian funding for the country experienced a precipitous decline, plummeting from approximately $338 million in 2024 to $112 million in 2025—a staggering decrease of nearly 67 percent.
This drastic cut in funding has had immediate and devastating consequences. Essential food assistance programs have been scaled back, leading to increased malnutrition rates. Healthcare services, already stretched thin, have been further curtailed, leaving many without access to vital medical care. Protection programs designed to assist survivors of sexual violence have faced significant gaps, leaving the most vulnerable at increased risk.
The implications of these aid cuts extend to the very fabric of refugee life. Livelihoods have been destroyed, and access to mental health care, crucial for recovery from the trauma of war and displacement, has been severely limited. The reduction in life-saving aid has directly contributed to an increase in malnutrition, inadequate shelter, and a rise in sexual and domestic violence against women and girls. Children, often the most vulnerable, bear the brunt of these cuts, facing limited access to food, clean water, and educational opportunities. Compounding the crisis, many refugees have found themselves stranded at the border, lacking the financial means to reach more secure shelter within the established camps.
HIAS Chad: A Beacon of Hope Amidst Crisis
For over two decades, HIAS Chad has been a steadfast partner to refugees and displaced persons within the country. The organization’s work is deeply rooted in strengthening community-based protection networks and fostering peaceful coexistence between refugee populations and their host communities. HIAS Chad collaborates closely with the Chadian government and a network of other humanitarian organizations to ensure that refugees are welcomed and receive essential protection, while also addressing immediate basic needs in emergency situations.
HIAS staff on the ground are engaged daily in providing life-saving assistance. Their multifaceted support includes critical mental health services, aimed at helping individuals cope with the profound psychological trauma of displacement and conflict. Economic assistance programs are implemented to empower refugees, enabling them to regain a degree of self-sufficiency. A significant focus is placed on ending gender-based violence, with dedicated programs to support survivors and prevent future incidents. Furthermore, HIAS distributes essential food and non-food items to meet immediate survival needs. Crucially, HIAS implements economic projects designed to help refugees establish sustainable sources of income, fostering long-term resilience and reducing dependency on external aid.
The current situation in Chad underscores the critical need for sustained and robust international humanitarian support. As the conflict in Sudan continues to drive displacement and environmental challenges exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, the efforts of organizations like HIAS are more vital than ever. The resilience of the Chadian people and the dedication of humanitarian workers offer a glimmer of hope, but without a significant increase in aid and a renewed global commitment, the humanitarian crisis risks deepening, with devastating consequences for millions.
Timeline of Escalating Crisis and Response
- April 2023: Civil war erupts in Sudan, triggering a massive wave of displacement.
- Mid-April 2023 onwards: Sudanese refugees begin crossing into Chad in significant numbers, overwhelming border regions and existing camps.
- 2023-2024: Existing refugee populations in Chad, many displaced for nearly 20 years, face compounded challenges due to the influx of new arrivals.
- Throughout 2024: Recurring droughts and floods impact Chad, leading to a declared food emergency for the second consecutive year.
- Early 2025: The U.S. government implements significant cuts to global humanitarian aid, drastically reducing funding for Chad.
- 2025: Humanitarian funding for Chad drops from approximately $338 million in 2024 to $112 million, a decline of nearly 67 percent.
- 2025: The Chadian government declares a state of food emergency for the third consecutive year.
- March 26, 2026 (Publication Date): The humanitarian crisis in Chad remains acute, with refugees facing dire conditions due to ongoing conflict and reduced international assistance.
Broader Impact and Implications
The escalating humanitarian crisis in Chad has profound implications, not only for the displaced populations but also for regional stability and international humanitarian norms. The sheer scale of displacement places an immense burden on Chad, a country that itself faces significant development challenges and a high percentage of its population already in need of assistance. The lack of adequate resources for refugees and host communities can fuel social tensions and create fertile ground for further instability.
The reduction in humanitarian aid from major international donors sends a worrying signal about the global commitment to addressing protracted and emerging crises. This trend can embolden perpetrators of conflict and undermine the efforts of humanitarian organizations working on the front lines. The long-term consequences of inadequate support include increased rates of malnutrition, higher mortality rates, limited access to education, and a generation of children whose potential is stifled by displacement and deprivation. Furthermore, the rise in gender-based violence in crisis settings highlights the critical need for protection services that are adequately funded and implemented. The situation in Chad serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global security, development, and humanitarian action, underscoring the urgent need for sustained international cooperation and adequate financial commitments to prevent further suffering and promote long-term solutions.
