European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will be in Chad from Tuesday to Thursday, focusing on the Sudanese refugee crisis, deemed "the worst civilian protection crisis the world has seen in decades" by the United Nations.
The Belgian Commissioner for EU humanitarian aid will visit Adré, a town on the Sudanese border where thousands of refugees are fleeing violence and instability following two years of civil war.
Nearly one million people have crossed into Chad, joining the 400,000 refugees who arrived during the Darfur crisis 20 years ago, making Chad and Egypt the countries hosting the largest Sudanese refugee populations globally.
The European Union has declared its readiness to continue supporting these vulnerable populations through humanitarian aid and commitments to regional peace and stability, contrasting with the US under Donald Trump that has suspended 92% of development funding.
European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib visits the Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) in Brussels, 6 February 2025. Credit: EU
"The Sudanese conflict is dangerously destabilising the region," Hadja Lahbib warned before her departure. "Women and children are paying a heavy price," noted the Commissioner for Equality and Crisis Management.
In Chad, she will meet political authorities and humanitarian actors, accompanied by Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and visit refugee camps.
Chad has adopted a welcoming policy despite growing concerns about the spread of the Sudanese conflict. Three weeks ago, Chad’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Zara Mahamat Issa, appealed for international solidarity, stating: "In light of the critical humanitarian situation, exacerbated by the influx of refugees and reduced funding, Chad needs your help."
