Two years ago, fighting broke out in Sudan’s capital of Khartoum and soon spread across much of the country, forcing millions of Sudanese people to flee to neighboring countries — including Chad. The country now hosts 1.3 million displaced people, with more than half arriving since the war started in Sudan in April 2023.
HIAS has provided services to refugees, displaced people, and host communities in Chad for more than 20 years, working in refugee camps along the eastern border with Sudan. The conflict in Sudan has created the world’s largest displacement crisis and has stretched Chad’s already limited resources. Recent cuts to humanitarian assistance by the United States government have severely impacted refugees in Chad, and could lead to further starvation, violence, and disease.
Despite all the odds stacked against them, refugees are finding ways to rebuild their lives in Chad with the help of HIAS. Here are some of their stories:
Attif (L) and Khamis (R) at the Aboutenge Camp in eastern Chad on January 19, 2025. (Kouakaine Moundi/HIAS)
Attif and Khamis
Attif lost his father to Sudan’s civil war in June 2023. Forced to flee to Chad, Attif is now under the care of his maternal grandfather, Khamis, himself a refugee from Sudan.
With the help of HIAS, who provided food and financial assistance, five-year-old Attif is now attending pre-school at the Aboutengue Camp in eastern Chad. Once threatened by war, he now has a chance at a normal, healthy childhood. Khamis plans to start his own business in Chad in order to finance the rest of Attif’s education.
“Beyond material assistance from HIAS, I would like to emphasize that humanitarian aid contributes greatly to building a better future for every child, without any discrimination,” Khamis said.
Sara at the Arkoum Camp, Eastern Chad, January 17, 2025. (Kouakaine Moundi/HIAS)
Sara*
Sara fled Sudan with her mother and two children in April 2023, and her husband followed shortly thereafter. Even before her flight, Sara had endured significant trauma in her life: She experienced genital mutilation at age 15, and then was raped. She was also abused by her husband.
In Chad, Sara sought help from HIAS — and her life has changed completely. Now divorced, Sara has found a livelihood in the Arkoum Camp selling vegetables. She plans to save up for a vehicle, which would help her expand her business.
“HIAS came to my rescue, providing essential mental health support,” she said. “Later, I also received help in the form of cash and food distributed during emergencies. This support profoundly changed my life: I was able to shake off the sadness that was weighing me down and regain a certain stability.”
*Name changed to protect Sara’s anonymity.
Adam at the Akoum camp, eastern Chad on January 17, 2025. (Kouakaine Moundi/HIAS)
Adam
Adam fled Sudan with his mother and settled in the Arkoum camp. Born with a condition that stunted the growth of his legs, Adam has never been able to walk.
Soon after arrival, he began attending child-friendly spaces arranged by HIAS. Safe in his new home, he is learning to process the trauma he suffered from displacement — and to simply enjoy being a kid again. Now 10, Adam hopes to continue learning and eventually become a merchant, selling food and other goods between villages.
“I feel great despite my disability,” he said. “The kids play with me normally. I’ve made friends, they’re very nice to me and for that I’m happy.”
