SAR RAISES CONCERN OVER ETHNIC HOSTILITY AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SUDANESE REFUGEES IN CHAD.

The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) expresses serious concern over reports of growing hostility, suspicion and discrimination against Sudanese refugees of Arab origin in Chad, where people who fled the war in Sudan are reportedly facing mistrust and hostility from members of other refugee communities.

According to a report published by France 24 on 4 November 2026, Sudanese refugees of Arab origin who crossed into Chad in search of safety are experiencing hostility from fellow Sudanese refugees. These tensions are reportedly linked to accusations that fighters associated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have targeted civilians from other ethnic communities in Sudan.

This is not the first time that ethnic divisions associated with the conflict in Sudan have affected relations among displaced communities in Chad. The country has hosted Sudanese refugees fleeing successive waves of violence in Darfur, including the conflict that began in 2003, during which widespread atrocities were committed against non-Arab communities. The legacy of that violence, compounded by the conflict that erupted in April 2023, has contributed to deepening mistrust and communal grievances across the Sudan–Chad border.

Research by the International Crisis Group in November 2024 documented growing anti-Arab sentiment among Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad, with some displaced communities expressing resentment towards people they associated with the violence committed against non-Arab populations in Sudan. Similarly, a 2025 study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute highlighted the persistence of these divisions and fears among refugees of being treated with suspicion or hostility because of their ethnic identity or family associations. These findings demonstrate how the consequences of Sudan's conflict extend beyond its borders, affecting the safety, relationships and social cohesion of communities seeking refuge.

SAR is deeply concerned that ethnic divisions and grievances that have fuelled violence in Sudan are now affecting relationships among people who have been forced to flee the same conflict. Refugees must not be held collectively responsible for the actions of armed groups, nor should individuals be treated with suspicion, hostility or discrimination simply because they belong to a particular ethnic community or are perceived to have associations with a party to the conflict.

The conflict in Sudan has displaced millions of people, with Chad receiving a significant proportion of those fleeing the violence, particularly from Darfur and other conflict affected regions. The pressure on refugee settlements, limited humanitarian assistance and inadequate access to basic services have further complicated the situation. However, these difficulties must never become a justification for discrimination, intimidation, exclusion or the denial of protection to people seeking safety.

The Sudanese Alliance for Rights emphasises that the right to seek asylum and receive protection must be respected without discrimination. Article 3 of the 1951 Refugee Convention requires States to apply its provisions without discrimination as to race, religion or country of origin. Similarly, the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa requires the treatment of refugees without discrimination on grounds including race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

SAR calls on the Government of Chad to strengthen protection measures within refugee camps and surrounding communities, investigate reports of intimidation and discrimination, and ensure that all refugees can access humanitarian assistance and protection without distinction. It is also important that the authorities work with refugee representatives, traditional leaders and host communities to prevent further escalation of ethnic tensions and promote peaceful coexistence.

SAR further urges UNHCR and other humanitarian organisations working in Chad to strengthen protection monitoring, establish accessible and confidential reporting mechanisms for refugees facing discrimination, and support community based initiatives that address mistrust and promote social cohesion. Humanitarian assistance should also adequately address the needs of host communities, whose access to already limited resources and services has been affected by the prolonged displacement crisis.

The international community must recognise that the consequences of Sudan's war extend beyond its borders. Continued support for refugee protection, humanitarian assistance and community based reconciliation efforts is essential to preventing further suffering among people who have already endured years of violence and displacement.

SAR stresses that fleeing war should mean finding safety, not carrying the burden of ethnic accusations into exile. Every refugee, regardless of ethnic background or perceived association, deserves protection, dignity and equal treatment.

Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR)

4 November 2026