Sudanese refugees fleeing to Chad surge as UN warns of funding crisis

The number of Sudanese refugees fleeing to eastern Chad has surged, with daily arrivals reaching approximately 400 people—a 20-fold increase compared to previous months. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that over 55,000 people have crossed into Chad so far this year, escaping conflict in Sudan’s Darfur, Kordofan, and Blue Nile regions.

The influx is driven by the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has displaced millions and caused widespread devastation. Refugees are fleeing aerial bombardments, drone attacks, and harsh environmental conditions such as drought.

UN agencies warned of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe due to a severe funding gap. Currently, only about 18 to 20 percent of the required $1.6 billion in annual funding has been received. This shortage has left many refugees without adequate shelter, water, or sanitation, with thousands of families lacking basic necessities in transit centers like Tine.