55,000+ Sudanese Flee to Chad in 2026

Over 55,000 Sudanese refugees have made their way across the border into Chad this year due to the increasing amount of violence, aerial strikes, and poor living conditions that have resulted in increased displacement. According to the UN’s refugee agency, over 400 people have been crossing the border each day in the past week alone – which is roughly 20 times the number of people who were crossing the border per day in prior months.

The new influx of refugees adds further strain on the already overburdened humanitarian operation in Chad, in which humanitarian agencies are having difficulty providing necessities for the refugees, such as food, shelter and water.

Why Are Sudanese Refugees Fleeing to Chad?

The new wave of refugees is mostly from Sudan’s Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile provinces, where the fighting has continued between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s regional refugee coordinator, stated that the refugees arriving in Chad indicated that they were fleeing from the fighting, aerial bombings, and drone strikes. Droughts and other challenging environmental conditions have also been identified by UNHCR as contributing factors that cause the displacement of people.

Up to 14 million people have reportedly been forced to flee due to the war, which has adversely affected agricultural production and seriously damaged Sudan’s economy.

Humanitarian Crisis for Chad

The border crossings of Adré and Tiné have become crucial areas of entry for those fleeing Sudan. Almost 1 million Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad from Sudan since the conflict started, according to data from UNHCR, including over 55,000 in 2026.

The new wave of refugees has caused extra strain on both transit centers and refugee camps. UNHCR has reported that funding issues will affect the agency’s ability to give food, housing, and relocation assistance to refugees arriving in higher numbers.

Prior to the arrival of the new wave of refugees, Chad was hosting refugees from several neighboring conflicts.

UNHCR Calls for Further Funding

The funding shortfall has become an issue because of the increased number of refugees. UNHCR stated that it had only received 18% of the $1.6 billion needed for the agency’s regional response plan.

It was pointed out that the decreased support might result in negative consequences going beyond the territory of Chad. Based on the information provided by Reuters citing UNHCR, there is a possibility that refugees who lack their basic needs after numerous displacements might decide to continue traveling towards Europe in order to look for protection and improved living conditions.

The problem with the funding has been exacerbated due to decreased foreign support coming from the USA and other donor nations throughout the last year.

What’s Next?

Now Chad and humanitarian organizations have to cope with the sudden arrival of refugees as well as provide help to refugees who have already been displaced.

As long as the situation in parts of Sudan continues to be unstable and the drought creates problems for local communities, the risks of further displacement persist.

FAQs

How many refugees from Sudan have come into Chad in 2026?

So far this year in 2026, more than 55,000 refugees from Sudan have crossed into eastern Chad, UNHCR reports.

Why are refugees coming into Chad in such large numbers?

UNHCR reports that refugees are being forced to leave their countries because of ongoing fighting, air strikes and drones, in addition to the drought and poor conditions.