Khartoum, Sudan, February 25, 2026 — Zeleke Bacha, IRC Sudan West Director, said,
“As violence continues in Sudan, the closure of the border with Chad is extremely concerning for Sudanese families fleeing unimaginable violence and searching for safety. For many, crossing into Chad has been a lifeline, and with access now cut off, people risk being trapped in dangerous conditions with limited food, water and medical care. Blocking safe passage places lives at even greater risk and further deepens an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
“The closure of the border is also limiting the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies into Darfur, further cutting off Sudanese communities from the goods and services they need to survive. IRC urges Chadian authorities to consider measures that protect their territory while preserving safe passage for civilians, and calls on all parties to the Sudan conflict to refrain from attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is essential that civilians are able to move safely and freely and that humanitarian access is protected”
When the conflict began in 2023, the IRC adapted its programs and scaled up our response to address increased humanitarian needs. Despite operational challenges, the IRC continues to provide support in Blue Nile, Gedaref, Khartoum, River Nile, South Kordofan and White Nile states and is working on re-establishing its presence in Jazera state. We have an office in Port Sudan and are expanding our presence into other states, including Darfur.
The IRC has supported Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad since 2004. More than ninety percent of Sudanese refugees who have arrived in Chad since April 2023 are women and children.