Ndjamena: Authorities in Chad have begun relocating thousands of refugees from neighboring Sudan away from the eastern border as security concerns grow following recent cross border violence.
Officials said around 2,300 refugees, mostly women and children, are being moved from vulnerable areas near the frontier to safer locations deeper inside the country. The decision comes days after a deadly drone attack from Sudan killed at least 17 people in Chad, including civilians attending a funeral.
President Mahamat Idriss DĂ©by has ordered the military to strengthen its presence along the border and prepare for any further threats. Troops have already been deployed to key areas, and the government has warned that some border zones may soon become active military areas.
The relocation effort is currently focused on regions such as Ennedi Est, where many newly arrived refugees have been staying in temporary conditions. Authorities say the move is necessary to protect civilians as tensions continue to rise.
The situation is linked to the ongoing conflict in Sudan between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The war, which began in 2023, has forced millions of people to flee their homes and created one of the region’s worst humanitarian crises.
Chad has taken in a large number of refugees since the conflict began, with close to one million Sudanese seeking shelter in the country. Despite earlier border restrictions, people continue to cross into Chad to escape violence, especially from the Darfur region.
The recent attack and military buildup have increased fears that the conflict could spread further across borders. There are also concerns about growing pressure on local communities and limited humanitarian resources.
Officials say the priority now is to keep refugees safe while maintaining security along the border, but the situation remains tense as fighting continues inside Sudan.