Sudanese refugees in Chad face a severe water crisis in Tanqori camp, receiving only 16 liters of water daily. Women are forced to drink from contaminated sources, risking their health. The UNHCR calls for urgent assistance as tensions rise between refugees and local communities due to limited resources. Immediate humanitarian action is necessary to address the critical needs of over 600,000 refugees.
Thousands of Sudanese refugees in Chad are grappling with a severe water crisis, exacerbating their already dire living conditions. Aisha Adam Ishaq, a refugee who fled the violence of El Geneina in West Darfur, reveals that she receives only 16 liters of water per day in the Tanqori refugee camp. Compelled by necessity, she and other women often resort to drinking from contaminated sources, further threatening their health. The move to Tanqori was executed by Chadian authorities, despite refugees’ protests regarding the lack of clean water and other essential services.
The situation for these refugees remains precarious following their relocation from the Adri camp, which previously offered better access to resources. The camp’s overcrowding, a consequence of continuous conflict in Sudan, has strained relations between refugees and local communities, contributing to heightened tensions and conflicts over water access. Residents describe enduring challenges in securing sufficient clean water, often undertaking perilous journeys to retrieve it from unsafe sources, risk their well-being and that of their children.
Fatima Adam Idris, another refugee, reiterated the harsh realities, stating, “For 12 months, we have carried water on our heads, and we cannot endure this any longer. We need water, food, blankets, and clothes, especially now that it is winter.” These voices collectively underscore the critical needs of the Sudanese refugee population in Chad, urging humanitarian organizations to take swift and decisive action. The UNHCR has acknowledged the escalating immigration crisis today, pressing for immediate assistance to alleviate the dire circumstances facing over 600,000 refugees who fled decades of conflict in Sudan.
The refugee crisis in Chad has roots dating back to the Darfur conflict that began in 2003, causing an influx of displaced individuals seeking sanctuary. As conflict reignited in 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, many more fled to Chad, resulting in record numbers of refugees. The Chadian government has faced challenges managing the situation amid rising tensions between local populations and newcomers, often around limited resources, particularly water, food, and healthcare. The ongoing humanitarian response has been complicated by logistical issues and the remoteness of some camps. The relocation of Sudanese refugees from the Adri camp to Tanqori has intensified fears among the displaced individuals due to inadequate access to clean water and essential services. The UN refugee agency has alarmingly indicated that the conditions in refugee camps across Chad have become increasingly critical, demanding urgent attention from national and international bodies.
In summary, the water crisis in Chad’s refugee camps, particularly in Tanqori, presents a significant humanitarian challenge, exacerbating the hardships faced by Sudanese refugees. Insufficient access to clean water forces individuals to rely on unsafe sources, raising concerns about health and safety. Notably, the voices of those affected emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian aid and intervention to improve living conditions and deliver essential resources to vulnerable populations. Without immediate action, the growing needs of these refugees will increasingly strain existing support systems and local communities.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
