Sudanese refugees living in Koufroun camp in neighboring Chad have made an urgent appeal for swift assistance, especially with the winter season fast approaching.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, several Darfur refugees at Koufroun camp complained about poor services. They appealed to humanitarian organizations operating in the area to provide food, water, and shelter.
Juma Hamdan, a Sudanese refugee residing in the camp, highlighted the refugees’ pressing needs, including water, food supplies, and healthcare. With the winter season approaching, the refugees are in urgent need of mattresses, blankets for children, and warm clothing.
Ali Mohammed Siddiq Badawi, another refugee, emphasized that health and education problems are significant concerns, with issues like measles and other diseases affecting the community. He called for improvements in the conditions of refugee shelters.
Hamdan stated, “These items should be provided immediately. The refugees are looking to the humanitarian organizations for prompt assistance as they face the challenges of winter and dire living conditions.”
Tariq Issa Sarkno Fadul, a human rights activist in West Darfur state, reported that approximately 20,000 to 25,000 Sudanese refugees in the Chadian area of Koufroun are grappling with challenges related to shelter, supplies, and shortages in medical and water provisions.
“At the beginning of the crisis, the organizations intervened significantly, providing much-needed food and shelter materials. However, after some time, their focus shifted to other refugee camps,” he said.
Fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on April 15 over tensions linked to a planned transition to civilian rule. It has devastated Khartoum’s capital and sparked ethnically driven attacks in the Darfur region.
After six months of fighting, an estimated 9,000 people have been killed and another 5.6 million forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.