1.5 Million Refugees Struggle for Water in Chad

A deepening humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Central Africa, where nearly 1.5 million Sudanese and Chadian refugees are struggling to survive in the arid regions of eastern Chad, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Adnan Hizam, spokesperson for the organization, said the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, now entering its third year, has forced thousands of families to flee to neighboring countries, particularly Chad. Many of the displaced had previously lived in the Darfur region.

He explained that refugees, including large numbers of women and children, are now facing extreme living conditions, with daily access to clean drinking water becoming a dangerous and urgent challenge. In overcrowded camps sheltering tens of thousands, water is not only essential for survival but also critical to maintaining basic human dignity, especially under intense heat.

The situation is particularly severe in the border city of Adré, which has come under immense pressure due to the massive influx of refugees. Before the conflict, the city had a population of around 25,000 residents. Within just a few months, more than 150,000 Sudanese refugees have settled there, placing overwhelming strain on infrastructure.

Local wells and water networks are now operating far beyond their intended capacity, serving more than six times the number of people they were designed to support. This has made daily life increasingly difficult for both refugees and host communities.

Hizam warned that in many cases, children are forced to take on the responsibility of collecting water when adults are unable to travel. This task exposes them to serious risks, as they often have to walk long distances along isolated routes, leaving them vulnerable to violence and abuse.

In response, the International Committee of the Red Cross has mobilized significant resources to address the crisis. Efforts have focused on improving access to water in key transit and settlement areas in Adré, helping to reduce suffering and protect public health.

Since early 2024, the organization has drilled four solar-powered wells, producing up to 140,000 liters of drinking water per day, enough to support approximately 10,000 people. Work is currently underway on a fifth well, which is expected to provide water for an additional 2,000 individuals.