Tine, Chad – November 22, 2025: The humanitarian crisis triggered by Sudan’s ongoing civil war continues to worsen as thousands of Sudanese families flee to neighbouring Chad, one of the region’s poorest countries. With the war showing no signs of abating, the influx of refugees is placing immense pressure on food, water, shelter, and healthcare systems.

Sudan’s War and Regional Displacement

Since the outbreak of fighting in April 2023 between Sudan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), more than 4.3 million Sudanese have fled to neighbouring countries, according to United Nations data.

Sudan is now facing the world’s largest displacement crisis, with nearly 12 million people forced from their homes due to conflict, violence, and hunger. Many refugees believe Chad, particularly its eastern border regions, is safer and offers access to essential supplies.

Strain on Host Communities in Chad

The border town of Tine has become a key entry point for displaced Sudanese. Local residents and traders report skyrocketing prices for basic goods due to the sudden increase in demand.

“Everything in the market here is expensive; nothing is cheap,” said Tine resident Abdulsalam Abubakar.

Food sellers also attribute rising costs to wartime conditions and massive refugee arrivals.

“Now food is expensive because more than 10,000 Sudanese arrived here after their country disintegrated,” said trader Khadijah Kurgule.

More than one million Sudanese have already arrived in Chad since the start of the war, intensifying competition for food, water, and shelter. Aid distribution points now feature long queues, while local hospitals and schools struggle to accommodate the surge.

Children and Education Crisis

According to UNHCR representative John-Paul Habamungu, 57 percent of incoming refugees are school-age children, yet there are no schools to serve them. Funding shortages prevent the construction of temporary learning spaces or recruitment of teachers.

Humanitarian agencies are attempting to relocate some refugees to nearby areas to ease local pressures, but they warn the situation may worsen as the conflict in Sudan persists.

International Response

The European Union recently imposed sanctions on Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, deputy leader of the RSF, for crimes committed during the storming of el-Fasher. The measures include:

• EU-wide travel ban
• Asset freeze
• Ban on profits from EU resources

“This sends a signal that the international community will come after those who are responsible,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.