October 25, Nairobi — More Sudanese refugees are arriving in the Central African Republic (CAR) from Darfur and are in dire need of shelter and food. But conditions in refugee camps are lacking and there is a severe shortage of basic necessities.
Since the war broke out last April, CAR has received thousands of Sudanese refugees through several border crossings, the majority coming through am-dafock. Last week, the United Nations said that over 29,400 refugees had arrived from Sudan. 83 percent are women and children.
Additionally, over 6,100 Central Africans who lived in Darfur as refugees have been forced to return to CAR due to adverse conditions.
In August 2023 the Central African government signed a decree granting prima facie refugee status to Sudanese fleeing the conflict.
Deep Concerns About Displacement
Last week, the UN Refugee agency said they were deeply concerned about the massive displacement of Sudanese refugees. Chad is the biggest host, with over 600,000 refugees, followed by CAR, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Uganda.
The total number of refugees that have escaped Sudan is now almost three million.
Due to the intensifying conflict in Darfur, nears 25,000 people arrived in eastern Chad in the first week of October, which is the highest number of new arrivals this year within a single week.
“The ordeal of refugees continues after they cross the borders,” Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a briefing on October 16. “Funding limitations are slowing down the provision of basic services for these refugees.”