Three years into the brutal civil war in Sudan, the humanitarian landscape in the neighboring nation of Chad has become increasingly dire, with an estimated 14 million people displaced internally and externally. Chad, already a nation grappling with limited resources, now hosts a staggering 1.8 million displaced individuals, the majority of whom have sought refuge since the conflict erupted in Sudan. This influx has placed immense pressure on already strained communities and essential services, creating a critical humanitarian challenge that demands urgent international attention.
HIAS, a leading organization in refugee assistance, has maintained a presence in Chad for over two decades, providing crucial support to refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities along the country’s eastern border with Sudan. The escalating conflict in Sudan has transformed the region into what is now recognized as the world’s largest displacement crisis, with the demand for humanitarian aid growing exponentially by the day. Compounding these challenges, significant cuts to U.S. and European humanitarian funding over the past year have further exacerbated the situation, leaving an already overstretched aid system ill-equipped to meet the escalating needs of refugees, rendering them increasingly vulnerable to hunger, disease, and violence.
Despite these overwhelming obstacles, Sudanese refugees in Chad demonstrate remarkable resilience and an unwavering determination to rebuild their lives. Through the dedicated efforts of HIAS Chad, many are beginning to find pathways to recovery from the profound trauma of war and are actively constructing sustainable livelihoods to support their families. These individual stories of perseverance underscore the critical importance of continued and enhanced humanitarian support in this protracted crisis.
The Escalating Displacement Crisis: A Regional Overview
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The United Nations estimates that by early 2026, over 14 million Sudanese citizens have been forced to flee their homes. This figure represents a significant portion of Sudan’s pre-war population, highlighting the sheer scale of the displacement. The neighboring countries, particularly Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, have borne the brunt of this exodus, straining their capacities to provide shelter, food, water, and healthcare.
Chad, a nation with a history of hosting refugees from regional conflicts, now finds itself at the epicenter of this new wave of displacement. The influx of over 1.8 million individuals, many arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs, has overwhelmed existing infrastructure and resources. Camps that were once established to support smaller populations are now teeming with new arrivals, leading to overcrowding, sanitation challenges, and increased competition for scarce resources. The economic impact on host communities is also profound, with local markets and services struggling to cope with the sudden surge in demand.
Funding Shortfalls: A Critical Blow to Humanitarian Efforts
The past year has witnessed a concerning trend of reduced humanitarian funding from key international donors, including the United States and European nations. These budgetary constraints have had a devastating impact on the operational capacity of organizations like HIAS, forcing them to scale back essential services or operate with significantly reduced resources. This reduction in funding comes at a time when the needs are at their absolute peak, creating a critical gap between the demand for assistance and the available supply.
The consequences of these funding shortfalls are far-reaching. Food insecurity is on the rise, with malnutrition rates climbing, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Access to essential healthcare services is limited, leading to the resurgence of preventable diseases. Furthermore, the reduced capacity for protection services leaves refugees, especially women and girls, more exposed to risks of sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, and trafficking. The very fabric of humanitarian support is being tested, threatening to unravel the progress made in assisting displaced populations.
Stories of Resilience: Fatna’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency
Amidst the grim statistics and overwhelming challenges, the stories of individuals like Fatna, a mother of eight residing in the Aboutenguéné camp, offer a powerful testament to human resilience and the transformative impact of targeted assistance. Before connecting with HIAS, Fatna lived in a constant state of fear and poverty, her primary means of survival involving the arduous and dangerous task of collecting and selling firewood.
"Before, to feed my children, I sold bundles of firewood," Fatna recounted, her voice tinged with the memory of past struggles. "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." The perilous nature of this daily routine highlights the extreme vulnerability faced by women and girls in displacement settings, where basic survival often comes at an immense personal cost.
Through the economic assistance provided by HIAS Chad, generously funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), Fatna was able to transition from her precarious firewood trade to establishing her own business selling crops she now cultivates herself. This initiative has not only secured her family’s immediate needs but has also allowed her to expand her reach, selling vegetables in three nearby camps.
"I can now provide for my children without risking my life," Fatna shared, a sense of pride evident in her voice. "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." Her words underscore the profound psychological and social impact of economic empowerment, restoring not just financial stability but also self-worth and hope.
Beyond economic support, HIAS also provides critical protection services to Fatna and other women in her community, aiming to prevent violence against women and girls. This integrated approach recognizes that economic empowerment and safety are inextricably linked. "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 becoming an advocate for others demonstrates the ripple effect of empowered individuals within displaced communities.
Zam-Zam’s Enduring Spirit: Rebuilding Lives After Decades of Displacement
Zam-Zam’s story is another poignant illustration of the long-term impact of conflict and displacement, as well as the enduring spirit of those affected. She first arrived in Chad over twenty years ago, fleeing the initial violence in Darfur, Sudan, a conflict that tragically claimed the life of her husband. Now, she is a mother of six, including a daughter with a disability who faces mobility challenges.
"When I arrived at the Farchana camp in 2004, my situation was extremely difficult," Zam-Zam recalled. "I was mentally devastated, without the resources to provide for my children’s basic needs." The prolonged nature of displacement means that many, like Zam-Zam, have experienced generations of hardship, with the trauma of initial displacement compounded by ongoing instability and lack of opportunity.
With her limited savings, Zam-Zam initially started a small business selling goods at the camp market. Her journey of self-reliance gained significant momentum when she learned about HIAS through other refugee women in her community who had benefited from the organization’s services. HIAS provided Zam-Zam with crucial economic assistance, also funded by the GFFO, enabling her to expand her business. This support has allowed her to travel more regularly between camps, diversifying her product offerings and ensuring a steady supply of essential goods.
"Since that day, my life has changed," Zam-Zam shared, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thanks to this business, I can provide for my children, who have enough to eat, attend school, and receive the basic healthcare they need. With my income, I can even support my relatives when they face social difficulties." Her ability to not only meet her immediate family’s needs but also extend support to her extended family highlights the positive economic multipliers of investing in refugee-led enterprises.
The Broader Impact: Economic Empowerment as a Pathway to Stability
Across the globe, HIAS has consistently observed that even modest amounts of economic assistance can yield significant dividends, empowering refugees to generate sustainable incomes and reinvest in their communities. The organization’s approach focuses on providing seed capital, vocational training, and financial literacy programs, equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive.
Anitha Niyongir, HIAS Chad’s Protection Manager, emphasized the critical link between economic empowerment and protection in the context of Sudanese refugees. "For Sudanese refugees in Chad, economic empowerment and protection are inseparable," Niyongir stated. "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." This holistic approach is vital in addressing the multifaceted vulnerabilities faced by displaced populations.
The commitment of HIAS Chad to assisting refugees in recovering from decades of brutal conflict in Sudan remains unwavering. As Zam-Zam poignantly expressed, "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." Her plea underscores the urgent need for sustained and increased international investment in humanitarian efforts in Chad, ensuring that organizations like HIAS can continue to provide life-saving assistance and empower displaced individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The ongoing crisis in Sudan and its spillover effects in Chad demand a renewed global commitment to humanitarian solidarity and the provision of comprehensive support to those who have lost everything.
