Chad’s Refugee Camp Under Strain Amid Sudden Influx from Sudan Civil War

Chad’s Touloum refugee camp, strained by an inflow of Sudanese refugees fleeing civil war, faces a growing crisis of malnutrition and inadequate resources. Despite Chad’s tradition of support, urgent international aid is necessary as the number of refugees may soon reach a million. The rainy season poses additional health risks, compounded by funding cuts from major donors.

IRIBA, Chad, April 25, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – A growing humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Chad as more refugees from Sudan flee the ongoing civil war. Nadjala Mourraou, holding her frail two-year-old son Ahma, visited a medical tent to get help, only to learn that he was severely malnourished. Mourraou had left Nyala in South Darfur over a year ago seeking safety and sustenance, yet only a bowl of assida, a porridge made from sorghum, constitutes their daily meal since their arrival at the Touloum refugee camp.

The camp is becoming increasingly strained, with immense pressure from the influx of Sudanese refugees, many of whom are facing malnourishment. Data estimates that between 25,000 and 30,000 refugees are crammed into makeshift tents made of sheet metal and white canvas in the harsh Chadian climate. Dessamba Adam Ngarhoudal, a nurse with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), expressed concerns about the situation, noting, “Out of 100 to 150 daily consultations, nearly half of them deal with cases of malnutrition.”

In more devastating news, the first infant death due to malnutrition has occurred at the Iriba hospital. Nurse Hassan Patayamou stated, “Since the beginning of the month we have already exceeded the capacity of the malnutrition ward at the hospital.” With rising temperatures and ongoing violence in Sudan, the situation remains precarious. Chad has taken in over 770,000 refugees, but this number could soon increase significantly as the conflict shows no signs of abating.

Chad’s government is calling for urgent assistance as it grapples with the challenges posed by the swelling refugee population, which has nearly doubled in certain areas. UN High Commissioner for Refugees highlighted that the country requires about $409 million in aid to address the urgent needs of both refugees and local communities; however, only a small fraction of that has been received. Djimbaye Kam-Ndoh, the governor of Wadi Fira province, emphasized that excessive support is critical: “The Chadian people have a tradition of welcoming their Sudanese brothers in distress. But the population of the province has practically doubled and we’re asking for major support.”

Concerns are mounting as humanitarian agencies warn about the implications of funding cuts from major donors, particularly the United States and European nations. Alexandre Le Cuziat, deputy director of the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) in Chad, expressed urgency, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake.” In Sudan, 25 million individuals face acute food insecurity, making the situation dire for all involved.

As the rainy season approaches in a couple of months, medics brace for potential outbreaks of diseases among the refugees. Samuel Sileshi, emergencies services coordinator for MSF, cautioned about the looming health crisis, citing the possible rise in cases of malaria and measles in Darfur. This distressing combination of malnutrition and disease could lead to a catastrophic situation, particularly for vulnerable children.

Overall, the situation in Chad’s Touloum camp exemplifies the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict in Sudan. With rising malnutrition rates and a growing refugee population, coupled with an urgent need for operational support from international donors, the outlook is grim. Without adequate assistance, both refugees and local residents could face dire consequences that could escalate further in the near future.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net

About Carmen Mendez

Carmen Mendez is an engaging editor and political journalist with extensive experience. After completing her degree in journalism at Yale University, she worked her way up through the ranks at various major news organizations, holding positions from staff writer to editor. Carmen is skilled at uncovering the nuances of complex political scenarios and is an advocate for transparent journalism.

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