More than 553,150 new Sudanese refugees were recorded in mid-February, making Chad the first country to host refugees from Sudan since the start of the war in mid-April 2023.

Nearly a year after the start of Sudan’s civil war, Chad urgently needs increased humanitarian assistance and significant funding to stabilize a fragile socio-economic context, particularly in host regions refugees in the east of the country, estimates the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

In December, the World Food Program (WFP) had to suspend the distribution of rations to some groups of refugees in the country due to a lack of funds. Since then, the government has declared a state of emergency over food and nutrition security.

UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements said more refugees could enter Chad from Sudan’s Darfur region in the coming weeks amid shortages of food and other essential goods.

Even without additional arrivals, needs already far exceed the capacities of humanitarian agencies, according to UNHCR. In addition, some women who arrived in Chad alone with their children have been victims of gender-based violence, including rape, and need appropriate support. Women and children represent 90% of refugees.

More than 553,150 new Sudanese refugees were recorded in mid-February, making Chad the first country to host refugees from Sudan since the start of the war in mid-April 2023.

In total, Chad now hosts 1.1 million refugees, making it the largest host country per capita in Africa.