Geneva/ N’Djamena – The window of opportunity to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Eastern Chad is rapidly closing. As the situation in Sudan, and particularly in Darfur deteriorates, I have witnessed firsthand the severe impact this senseless violence has had on ordinary civilians here in Chad.  

The knock-on effects of the crisis in Sudan could have serious humanitarian implications on neighbouring countries particularly Chad which was already responding to a significant displacement crisis before this influx which was poorly resourced. I have heard stories of former teachers, nurses, and traders whose lives were upended by the fighting, who have had to return to Chad, and now need support to rebuild their lives. I appeal to the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to cease hostilities, restore calm, and begin a dialogue to resolve the crisis.  

IOM estimates that 20 per cent (45,000 persons) of the 225,000 people displaced into Chad are Chadian returnees and stranded migrants from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Niger, and Uganda. While a few of them have been able to integrate into local communities, the majority live in extremely precarious conditions across 25 sites, including a high school in the border town of Adré.  

The first responders to this humanitarian crisis were local community members who provided returnees with space to settle, blankets to shelter themselves and food. Despite their already limited resources, they have shown solidarity and generosity to their brothers and sisters in need.  

But today, as more people continue to arrive in Eastern Chad, local communities and authorities are reaching their breaking point.

Since the beginning of the crisis in Sudan, IOM has been on the ground to support the Chadian Government’s efforts to respond to the situation. We are helping returnees meet some of their immediate needs through shelter, water trucking and unconditional cash assistance. We have also set up a humanitarian evacuation mechanism to enable stranded migrants to return home and reunite with their families.   

But this is just a drop in this ocean of despair. The looming rainy season is already threatening to cut off entire communities, as rivers and wadis are filling with water, thus hindering the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid.   

Durable solutions including transitional shelters, livelihoods, and psychosocial support are possible but we must act now to empower Chadian returnees to rebuild their lives and enable host communities to live in dignity. We have a three-month window and must act now to invest in long-term solutions.   

IOM stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of Chad in this difficult time, and we call on our international partners to support us in providing relief and long-term solutions to this displacement crisis. 

***

For more information please contact:  

N’Djamena:  Francois Xavier Ada Affana, fadaaffana@iom.int  

Geneva:  Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int