Attachments
Update on Refugee Movements
Cross-Border Movements into Chad
Since the latest attack in El Fasher at the end of October, 19,383 new arrivals (7,589 families) have been registered along Chad’s eastern borders, including 56% (10,794 individuals from 3,846 families) entered through Oure Cassoni – Bahai and Kariari (Ennedi East), 36% (6,771 individuals from 2,898 families) crossed via Tiné (Wadi Fira), and 8% (1,818 individuals from 845 families) arrived through Adré and Adikong (Ouaddaï).
Population Movements and Trends
Between 22 and 28 December, a total of 1,912 refugees were registered in Chad, which is slightly higher than the previous week's figure (15 to 21 December, 1,753 arrivals) and slightly below the weekly average for December (1,988 individuals). The average number of arrivals per day over the last four weeks is 250 people.
On 28 December alone, UNHCR registered 81 individuals (61 families), primarily from Berdick, El Fasher, Zamzam, and only at the Tiné entry point. The newly arrived refugees belong to the Zaghawa, Fur, Masalit, and Maba ethnic groups.
Women and children represent 87% of the population, and 14% have specific needs. Since the end of October, 2,732 unaccompanied or separated minors and 1,146 people with disabilities have been registered. About 52% of families possess Sudanese documentation, such as birth certificates, passports, and nationality certificates.
Analysis of data
Despite persistent insecurity, severe movement restrictions, and significant protection risks along major routes—which continue to hinder safe passage—the influx persists. Escalating violence and increased protection violations in and around El Fasher and other parts of North Darfur remain key drivers of displacement.
Given the volatile and unpredictable security situation in Darfur, combined with worsening economic hardship and mass displacement, cross-border movements into Chad are expected to continue in the coming weeks. The scale and pace of these movements will largely depend on security conditions and road accessibility.
Newly arrived refugees—mostly women and children—reach the border in conditions of exhaustion and trauma, requiring urgent protection and life-saving assistance. The main drivers of displacement include widespread insecurity, sexual violence, forced recruitment, extortion, rampant criminality, movement restrictions, and ethnically driven tensions, all exacerbated by the broader conflict.
This week was marked by a security incident at the border between Chad and Sudan in Tiné. A Sudanese army drone struck a position held by Chadian troops at the border, resulting in loss of life, according to an announcement by the Chadian General Staff, which can be read here. Following this incident, UNDSS suspended humanitarian activities for two days in the Tiné area before requesting their resumption on December 29, 2025.
Response to the Crisis
Ongoing Response: At the border, life-saving interventions by UNHCR and partners include registration, distribution of household items such as jerrycans, soap, blankets, and mats, health screening (MSF), GBV referral services (Amana Wa Salama) for survivors, and assistance for persons with specific needs (Nirvana).