Mass exodus of over 600,000 refugees from Sudan to Chad, as reported by the UNHCR
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is causing a humanitarian crisis that is escalating on the Chad-Sudan border. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a warning about additional displacement and deteriorating conditions in the region.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has forced over 600,000 refugees to flee to Chad, according to the UNHCR. This influx has significantly increased displacement within Chad, with the total forcibly displaced population rising nearly 20% from 1.73 million in July 2024 to over 2.07 million by July 2025.
Refugees face multiple hardships. Overcrowded camps and overstretched resources strain food, shelter, and health infrastructure amid funding shortfalls. The UN's 2025 Sudan humanitarian appeal is only 14% funded, limiting aid delivery.
Health crises, such as cholera, have caused nearly 100,000 cases and over 2,400 deaths in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. Refugees and host communities are exposed to disease outbreaks exacerbated by disrupted health services.
Environmental challenges, including heavy rains and floods, have displaced tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes, blocked access routes, and exposed unexploded landmines. These factors worsen the humanitarian situation and hinder aid.
Food insecurity and malnutrition are common among displaced children. The conflict has disrupted food supply chains in Sudan, triggering acute hunger affecting millions.
Despite these challenges, relief efforts are underway, but they are hindered by the conflict and funding gaps. The crisis continues to push large populations into Chad, where refugees face deteriorating living conditions complicated by natural disasters and insufficient international support.
The conflict in Sudan has also forced over 180,000 Chadian returnees to flee into Chad. One-third of the recently arrived refugees are reportedly living in "dire conditions" at makeshift locations along the border. The majority of the refugees and returnees are women and children.
The conflict began due to disagreements about integrating the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the military between Army General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Fierce battles have occurred between the army and the RSF at Abu Shouk camp, resulting in at least 4 deaths and 16 injuries.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in an estimated 16,000 deaths, according to UN estimates. Millions of people have been internally and externally displaced in Sudan, leaving a dire humanitarian catastrophe in the country.
The urgent need for increased humanitarian funding and improved access to affected populations is underscored by this crisis. The situation on the Chad-Sudan border is a stark reminder of the human toll of conflict and the importance of international support in addressing such crises.
References:
- UNHCR (2025). Sudan Regional Refugee Response: Chad. [online] Available at: https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/chd
- WHO (2024). Cholera Outbreak in Sudan. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/diseases/cholera/cholera-outbreak-in-sudan
- OCHA (2025). Humanitarian Bulletin: Chad. [online] Available at: https://reliefweb.int/report/chad/humanitarian-bulletin-chad-29-june-2025
- UNHCR (2025). Sudan Regional Refugee Response: Global Overview. [online] Available at: https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/global
- WFP (2024). Sudan: Hunger on the Horizon. [online] Available at: https://www.wfp.org/sudan-hunger-horizon
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