2 years into Sudan’s brutal war, 15 million people - 1 in 3 Sudanese - are displaced, including nearly 4 million who fled to neighbouring countries.
The scale of the world’s largest displacement crisis cannot be overstated.
Only an end to the conflict can halt the immense suffering of civilians, who, after enduring violence, attacks and abuse, now face famine in several areas of the country.
Women and children make up the vast majority of refugees. Most fled from Darfur and found refuge in Chad. Nearly 1 million people have arrived since 15 April 2023, prompting a massive emergency response. Refugees are being relocated to both new and existing camps - 21 in total.
Ahead of the London Sudan Conference on 15 April 2025 - which will be co-hosted by the EU, the UK, France, Germany and the African Union -EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, visited Chad and its border with Sudan:
“With conflict still raging in Sudan, humanitarian needs across the region are soaring. During my mission to Chad, I witnessed firsthand the scale and impact of this crisis, where the most vulnerable bear the brunt.”
Flying into Adré on a humanitarian plane from Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, highlights the challenge of reaching this remote region near the Sudanese border—not only to assist refugees but also to get aid to people in desperate need across the border in Darfur.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Denis Sassou Gueipeur)
The Commissioner spoke with Amani, Fatma and other Sudanese women and girls who witnessed the horrors of war—rape, torture, suffering, and death. She listened to them and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to keep supporting the people displaced by the conflict in Sudan.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Nicole Lada)
At Adré’s informal refugee site, more than 215,000 people depend on emergency food rations co-funded by the EU. Though not an official camp, and despite encouragement to move to safer areas inland, many are reluctant to move further away from their home.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Anouk Delafortrie)
Providing food to hundreds of thousands in Chad’s resource-poor East costs €20 million monthly. This highlights the urgent need to mobilise international support and prioritise access despite donor fatigue.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Anouk Delafortrie)
At the London Sudan Conference, the EU will once again call on the warring parties to spare civilian lives and infrastructure. Respect for International Humanitarian Law—the law of armed conflict—is central to EU advocacy and will also feature at the upcoming European Humanitarian Forum 2025.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Anouk Delafortrie)
The Commissioner, alongside Chadian Minister for Humanitarian Affairs Zara Mahamat Issa, helped distribute rations of oil, salt, cereal and pulses to refugee women. This symbolic act of solidarity underscores the need for open borders and the protection of those in need.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Denis Sassou Gueipeur)
More than 80% of Sudanese refugees are women and children, almost if not entirely reliant on humanitarian aid. As Chad’s host communities are also facing many challenges, the EU funds projects to preserve natural resources, support livelihoods and promote social cohesion.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Denis Sassou Gueipeur)
Malnutrition is a serious concern among vulnerable Sudanese and Chadian communities. EU partners in refugee sites and camps systematically screen children and provide mothers of undernourished children with nutritional supplements. Acute malnutrition is on the rise in many regions.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Denis Sassou Gueipeur)
In 2024, Chad declared a state of emergency due to a worsening food crisis and devastating floods. At a nutrition unit in N’Djamena that treats severely malnourished children, Commissioner Lahbib saw this stark reality firsthand. The EU-supported NGO ALIMA runs the centre with local partner Alerte Santé.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Denis Sassou Gueipeur)
Together with EU Ambassador Przemek Bobak, the Commissioner met women of Chad’s civil society. They work tirelessly to protect women, prevent sexual and gender-based violence, and support peacebuilding efforts.
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Anouk Delafortrie)
In Chad, the Commissioner announced over €282 million in humanitarian aid for Chad and the Sudan crisis.
“Sudan’s neighbours, already grappling with their own challenges, are under immense pressure. The recent surge in fighting in Sudan is likely to cause even more people to flee across borders. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to address this crisis.”
© European Union, 2025 (photographer: Denis Sassou Gueipeur)
