UNHCR says 55,000 Sudanese refugees fled to Chad in 2026

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More than 55,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to eastern Chad this year, the UN refugee agency said on Friday. The daily arrival rate has surged to 400 people, about 20 times the previous rate. The UN warns the crisis will worsen without a significant funding increase.
Key Facts
- More than 55,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad this year, according to UNHCR.
- The daily arrival rate at the Adre and Tine border crossings has risen to 400 people, about 20 times the previous rate.
- The UN has received only 20 percent of the $1.6 billion needed for the humanitarian response, leaving a $1.28 billion shortfall.
- The transit centre in Tine hosts more than 4,300 people, many lacking shelter, water, and sanitation.
- More than 14,100 Sudanese refugees arrived in Europe last year, a 245 percent increase compared with 2024.
Refugee Surge
The number of Sudanese refugees entering eastern Chad has accelerated sharply over the past week, according to UNHCR. About 400 people a day now cross via the border areas of Adre and Tine, compared with a much lower daily rate in previous months. Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced more than 11 million people. Approximately 6.4 million people are internally displaced within Sudan, while over 3.5 million have fled to neighbouring countries.
Funding Shortfall
The UN has received only 20 percent of the $1.6 billion required for the humanitarian response, leaving a gap of $1.28 billion. The transit centre in Tine is under severe pressure, hosting more than 4,300 people in urgent need of shelter, water, sanitation, and protection services. About 31,000 families lack adequate shelter, and most refugees live on less than half the minimum daily water requirement. The UN warns that without additional funding, more Sudanese refugees will attempt the perilous journey to Europe.