Chad Border Sites Strain as Sudanese Refugee Arrivals Surge to 400 Daily

More than 55,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into eastern Chad since the start of 2026, with arrivals surging to over 400 a day in recent weeks—about 20 times the rate seen in prior months. The United Nations says fighting, airstrikes and drone attacks in Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile are driving people from their homes while also restricting aid access. Chad’s border facilities are under growing strain: a transit center in Tiné hosts more than 4,300 people, and refugees face severe shortages of shelter, water and sanitation. UNHCR has received only 18% of the $1.6 billion it sought this year for the regional response, leaving assistance unable to keep pace with needs.