Three years into the devastating civil war in Sudan, a staggering 14 million people have been displaced, both internally and across its borders. Chad, a nation already grappling with resource scarcity, now hosts approximately 1.8 million displaced individuals, the vast majority of whom have arrived since the conflict erupted. This influx places immense pressure on already strained humanitarian systems and vulnerable host communities. The situation is compounded by severe cuts in humanitarian funding from key international donors, including the United States and European nations, over the past year. This reduction in aid has further exacerbated the crisis, leaving refugees increasingly susceptible to hunger, disease, and violence.
The Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern Chad
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has triggered a massive exodus of civilians seeking safety. Eastern Chad, sharing a lengthy border with Sudan’s conflict-ridden Darfur region, has become a primary destination for those fleeing violence, persecution, and economic collapse. The sheer scale of displacement has overwhelmed existing infrastructure and resources in Chad. Refugee camps, such as Alacha and Aboutengu, which have long been home to individuals displaced by earlier conflicts, are now experiencing unprecedented population growth. This rapid expansion strains water supplies, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, and food distribution networks.
HIAS (formerly the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), an organization with over two decades of experience operating in Chad, is on the front lines of this crisis. The organization has historically provided crucial support to refugees, internally displaced persons, and the host communities in these border regions. The current surge in displacement has amplified the demand for HIAS’s services, which include economic assistance, mental health care, and protection services aimed at preventing gender-based violence.
Funding Shortfalls: A Looming Threat to Vulnerable Populations
The international response to the Sudanese crisis has been hampered by significant funding gaps. Reports from organizations like Refugees International highlight severe cuts in humanitarian aid, particularly from the United States and European countries, which have historically been major contributors. This reduction in financial support comes at a critical juncture, when the needs of the displaced population are at their peak.
The implications of these funding shortfalls are dire. Without adequate resources, humanitarian organizations struggle to provide essential services. Food rations are reduced, leading to increased food insecurity and malnutrition. Healthcare facilities become overburdened, making it difficult to treat common illnesses and manage chronic conditions. Protection services, vital for preventing exploitation and violence, are often scaled back, leaving vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls, at greater risk.
"Severe cuts to U.S. and European humanitarian funding over the past year have further strained an already overstretched system, leaving refugees increasingly vulnerable to hunger, disease, and violence," states a HIAS report. This sentiment is echoed by aid workers on the ground, who witness firsthand the daily struggles of displaced families attempting to survive with dwindling resources. The lack of consistent and sufficient funding jeopardizes the stability and well-being of millions who have already endured unimaginable trauma.
Resilience Amidst Adversity: Stories of Hope and Recovery
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Sudanese refugees in Chad demonstrate remarkable resilience and a profound determination to rebuild their lives. Through the support of organizations like HIAS, many are beginning to recover from the psychological scars of war and establish sustainable livelihoods.
Fatna, a mother of eight residing in the Aboutengu camp, exemplifies this spirit. Prior to receiving assistance from HIAS, Fatna faced a perilous daily existence. "Before, to feed my children, I sold bundles of firewood," she recounted. "I had to walk for miles, sometimes far from the camp, exposing myself to attacks, harassment, and even the risk of rape. Every trip was dangerous, every day a source of worry." Her precarious situation highlights the dangerous coping mechanisms refugees are often forced to adopt in the absence of viable alternatives.
With economic assistance provided by HIAS, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), Fatna was able to transition from risky firewood sales to a more sustainable livelihood. She established a business selling crops that she now cultivates herself. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her to expand her operations, selling vegetables in three nearby camps. "I can now provide for my children without risking my life," Fatna shared, her voice filled with a sense of accomplishment. "By saving some of the assistance I received, I was able to plant this season. The harvest was good, proof that my strategy is working, and I am very proud of it. My home is more stable, my children are eating better, and I have regained my dignity."
In addition to economic empowerment, HIAS provides crucial protection services to Fatna and other women in her community. These services are designed to prevent violence against women and girls, offering a vital layer of security in an environment where they remain particularly vulnerable. "I am deeply grateful to HIAS for this assistance, but also for the regular follow-up and constant support," Fatna stated. "Today, I am ready to get more involved in my community, to raise awareness among other women and direct them to services." Her commitment to empowering others underscores the ripple effect of targeted humanitarian interventions.
Zam-Zam, another Sudanese refugee, shares a similar narrative of resilience. She first arrived in Chad over twenty years ago, fleeing the initial violence in Darfur that tragically claimed her husband’s life. Now a mother of six, including a daughter with a disability, Zam-Zam faced immense hardship. "When I arrived at the Farchana camp in 2004, my situation was extremely difficult," she recalled. "I was mentally devastated, without the resources to provide for my children’s basic needs."
Through her own initiative, Zam-Zam managed to start a small business selling goods at the camp market with her limited savings. Her perseverance led her to connect with other refugee women who had received services from HIAS. With economic assistance from HIAS, also funded by GFFO, Zam-Zam was able to expand her business. She now travels between camps, diversifying her product offerings and ensuring a steady supply of essential goods. "Since that day, my life has changed," Zam-Zam shared. "Thanks to this business, I can provide for my children, who have enough to eat, [they can] attend school, and receive the basic healthcare they need. With my income [from my business], I can even support my relatives when they face social difficulties."
The Broader Impact of Economic Empowerment and Protection
The success stories of Fatna and Zam-Zam highlight a crucial aspect of humanitarian aid: the transformative power of economic empowerment coupled with protection services. HIAS emphasizes that these two components are intrinsically linked for refugees in Chad.
"For Sudanese refugees in Chad, economic empowerment and protection are inseparable," explained Anitha Niyongir, HIAS Chad’s Protection Manager. "When individuals, especially women and girls, have access to safe livelihoods and opportunities alongside protection services, they are better equipped to resist exploitation, reduce harmful coping mechanisms, and reclaim control over their lives."
The approach taken by HIAS, which focuses on providing seed capital, vocational training, and financial literacy programs, aims to foster self-reliance and sustainable income generation. This model not only benefits the individuals receiving assistance but also contributes to the economic stability of their communities. Refugees often reinvest their earnings back into local economies, creating a multiplier effect that benefits both displaced populations and host communities.
The long-term implications of this approach are significant. By enabling refugees to earn a dignified living, humanitarian organizations can move beyond emergency relief towards fostering long-term recovery and integration. This is particularly important in protracted displacement situations, where the needs extend beyond immediate survival to encompass rebuilding lives and fostering a sense of hope for the future.
A Call for Sustained Support and Increased Funding
As the conflict in Sudan shows no signs of abating, the humanitarian crisis in Chad is likely to persist and potentially worsen. The current reliance on insufficient and fluctuating funding streams poses a significant risk to the progress made and the well-being of millions.
Zam-Zam’s plea resonates with many: "I am grateful to HIAS for its continued support of women and children in the community. We pray that more funding will be made available to continue supporting the most vulnerable." This call for increased and sustained funding is not merely a request for aid; it is an appeal for the international community to uphold its responsibility to protect and support those displaced by conflict.
The situation in Chad is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global security and humanitarian needs. Without adequate international support, the immense human suffering in Sudan and its neighboring countries will continue to escalate, with profound implications for regional stability and human dignity. Organizations like HIAS remain committed to their mission, but their efforts are critically dependent on the sustained commitment of governments and donors to address this escalating humanitarian crisis. The future of millions of Sudanese refugees hinges on a renewed and robust international response.
