Chad

The escalating conflict in Sudan has led to nearly 3 million people fleeing their homes. Of these, over 340,000 people have travelled to Chad, adding to the pressure on the already limited resources in the country.

On this page learn more about the crisis in Chad, and how ShelterBox is working to support people there.

What is happening in Chad?


In April 2023, long-simmering tensions between Sudan’s military and main paramilitary force erupted into violent clashes, risking civil war. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has continued. More than three million people have been displaced since the start of the conflict on 15 April. They are fleeing to safer locations within Sudan or across its borders.

Over 217,000 people have fled to Chad from neighbouring Sudan, leaving their homes behind. Many are without adequate shelter. It includes people who were already internally displaced by previous conflicts in Sudan, as well as refugees from other countries that had previously sought safety in Sudan. The majority of the refugees are women and children.

The humanitarian need was already significant before this conflict started. That need is rising every day, made worse by a fourth consecutive year of acute food shortages in Chad. The country is also experiencing heavy rains, which makes the movement of materials and aid very difficult. It also creates challenging conditions for the people there.

Lady carrying blankets and other items through a sandy desert
Chad had already experienced violence and food shortages leading to displacement before the recent arrivals from Sudan

Where is Chad?


illustration Map showing Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon

Chad is a landlocked country on the edge of some the world’s most violent conflicts.

It shares a border with NigerNigeriaCameroon, the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Libya.

In the north, you will find the Sahara Desert, an astonishing expanse of dust and flowing sand dunes.

The south is dominated by the Sudanian Savanna – a belt of tropical grassland that stretches from Nigeria to Ethiopia.

The crisis in Chad is complex. The eastern part of the country was already hosting many refugees from Sudan before the recent influx of people trying to escape the recent violence. The country has also been impacted by violence from Boko Haram, food shortages, droughts, and climate change.

Has ShelterBox worked in Chad before?


ShelterBox has worked in Chad and Sudan before.

In 2018, we provided crucial shelter aid and other essential items to people displaced by conflict in Chad. We were working with our partners ICAHD (International Cooperation Action for Humanitarian Assistance and Development).

In 2020, we partnered with the United Peace Organisation (UPO) to respond to flooding in Sudan. We supplied essential shelter materials to over 5,500 people. This followed previous work in 2014, when we responded to flooding in Sudan’s West Nile state.

Mother and three children sitting inside a tent
Kangadji and her family received ShelterBox aid in 2018. They had fled Boko Haram violence after her husband and son were killed by a suicide bomb.

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How is ShelterBox helping?


Lorry with aid parked outside a warehouse in Chad
Aid materials arrive at a warehouse in Chad

We have partnered with INTERSOS Tchad to provide thousands of people with emergency shelter in Chad.

ShelterBox tents have arrived in Chad along with items like tarpaulins and rope. These can be used to construct or improve emergency shelter. We are also providing essential items. This includes solar lights, mosquito nets, blankets, sleeping mats, and kitchen sets. The first emergency shelters are already being assembled.

The items being distributed are simple but effective. Tarpaulins and tents protect people from the weather. When there is no electricity solar lights help people to see when darkness falls. Mosquito nets help protect people from diseases like malaria.

Many more people are expected to flee to Chad from Sudan in the coming months. This will only add to the need for emergency shelter in the country. We’ll be supporting new arrivals to the transit areas of refugee camps. Our shelters will provide a temporary, safe home within the camp. Families can stay there until more durable shelters are available.

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Learn more about our work


Our work in the Lake Chad Basin

We’re providing aid to families affected by the Lake Chad Basin crisis.

Cameroon

We’re working in Cameroon, where thousands of families have fled conflict and are now living in Minawao Camp.

Where we're working

Get the latest updates from the field and discover where we’re supporting communities around the world in the aftermath of disaster and conflict.