The escalating Sudanese civil war is forcing many into Chad, straining the Touloum refugee camp. Reports indicate rising malnutrition among refugees, including the tragic first death from malnutrition at a local hospital. The situation calls for urgent international assistance as Chad grapples with housing nearly 770,000 refugees amidst a potential rise to one million.
The escalating civil war in Sudan is exerting immense pressure on Chad’s refugee camps, particularly in Iriba, where families fleeing the violence face severe hardships. Nadjala Mourraou, holding her two-year-old son, Ahma, witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of malnutrition. After fleeing Nyala in South Darfur, they too found themselves in a long line at the Touloum refugee camp, where the basic sustenance has become a meager bowl of sorghum porridge daily.
The situation is dire, as the ongoing conflict has led to a staggering number of displaced individuals. The UN estimates that over 13 million have been uprooted due to the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, with more than three million of them escaping as refugees. Chad, already grappling with poverty, has taken in more than 770,000 of these refugees, with projections indicating that this number could rise significantly.
The overcrowded Touloum camp, housing between 25,000 to 30,000 Sudanese refugees in makeshift tents, is now witnessing an alarming rise in malnutrition cases, as noted by Dessamba Adam Ngarhoudal, a nurse with Doctors Without Borders (MSF). “Out of 100 to 150 daily consultations, nearly half of them deal with cases of malnutrition,” said Ngarhoudal, emphasizing the urgency of the crisis.
The situation at the nearby Iriba district hospital has reached a critical point, with reports of the first infant death from malnutrition among the Sudanese refugees. “Since the beginning of the month we have already exceeded the capacity of the malnutrition ward at the hospital,” revealed MSF nurse Hassan Patayamou. The region braces itself for an imminent surge in malnutrition cases as temperature predictions indicate highs upwards of 40 degrees Celsius.
Despite international attention, there seems to be little hope for a quick resolution, as neither of Sudan’s military leaders attended a recent peace meeting in London. This absence raises concerns about the potential influx of refugees, as the Chadian government warns that the total could reach nearly one million. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees underscores the unsustainable burden this will place on Chad.
Djimbaye Kam-Ndoh, governor of Wadi Fira province, remarked on the local tradition of welcoming Sudanese families in need, but acknowledged the overwhelming strain on resources, stating, “But the population of the province has practically doubled and we’re asking for major support.” The UN agency has appealed for $409 million to assist Chad, yet only 14 percent of that has been raised so far.
As concerns mount over humanitarian aid and funding cuts, the UN’s World Food Programme warns that nearly 25 million people are currently facing acute food insecurity in Sudan. The looming rainy season adds further anxiety, with aid workers preparing for possible outbreaks of diseases such as malaria and measles in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Samuel Sileshi, from MSF, cautioned, “This year, we are also facing measles epidemics in Darfur,” highlighting the urgent need for medical resources and support.
The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan is displacing millions, placing an overwhelming strain on Chad’s refugee camps. The situation at the Touloum camp has reached crisis levels with increasing numbers of malnourished refugees, particularly children. Humanitarian organizations warn of the devastating consequences if the needs of the refugees are not met, with diseases expected to spread further. Urgent international support is needed to alleviate the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Chad as the war in Sudan continues without resolution.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
