SUDAN/CHAD BORDER – While global attention is often fixed elsewhere, a catastrophic humanitarian disaster is unfolding in the Sahel. A powerful new DW Documentary reveals the harrowing reality of over 1.2 million refugees in Chad fleeing the brutal civil war in Sudan, just as international funding begins to dry up.
A Catastrophe in the Making
Since the civil war erupted in Sudan in 2023, more than 850,000 people have crossed into Chad, one of the world's poorest nations. Aid workers warn of a "ticking time bomb" as resources for water, food, and education are slashed by major donor countries [00:11:24].
- Water Scarcity & Cholera: In many border camps, refugees are forced to use contaminated pond water. This led to a deadly cholera outbreak in 2025, with water supplies dropping to just 7 liters per person less than half the WHO minimum standard [00:17:29].
- Education at Risk: Over 160,000 Sudanese children are enrolled in schools in Chad, but many facilities face closure because there is no money to pay teacher salaries, which are as low as €9 per month [00:26:08].
- Dwindling Food Rations: The World Food Program (WFP) warns that food stocks are dangerously low, with some warehouses holding only enough supplies to last one or two more months [00:36:36].
The Geopolitical Stakes
Experts argue that cutting aid to this region is a "short-sighted" policy. If refugees cannot find safety and basic needs in Chad, many will be forced to migrate toward North Africa and eventually Europe [00:40:47]. Furthermore, the lack of Western support is opening the door for increased Russian and Chinese influence in the strategic Sahel region [00:37:13].
"Supporting us with more resources to upscale the response here is preventing a catastrophic situation in Europe. We saw this with Syria in 2013—cutting aid then cost taxpayers much more later."
A Glimmer of Hope: Self-Sufficiency
Despite the grim outlook, projects like "Hagina" (Arabic for 'It’s ours') are showing a path forward. These initiatives help refugees and locals build dams and start small-scale farming to become self-sufficient, reducing their long-term dependence on external aid [00:44:25].
How You Can Help
The crisis in Sudan is currently the largest displacement of people in the world. Awareness is the first step toward action. Stay informed and support organizations like the UNHCR and WFP that remain on the front lines.