Sudanese refugees in the Central African Republic are in dire need of humanitarian aid. INTERSOS reports an increase in migration flows and highlights the immediate necessity for interventions to support the new arrivals.
The conflict in Sudan, after 14 months of escalation, shows no signs of ending and continues to cause migrations to neighboring countries. According to UNHCR figures, some 30,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to the Central African Republic since the beginning of the conflict. On July 9, a new wave of Sudanese refugees arrived in Am-Dafock, a village in the Vakaga prefecture on the Sudanese border.
According to INTERSOS border monitors, a group of 59 people, including women, men, and children from Nyala, Sudan, reached the village. These visibly exhausted refugees walked for 14 days before entering the Central African Republic and now urgently need humanitarian assistance.
Increasing migration flows
Since the beginning of the crisis in Sudan, population movements across the Am-Dafock border have steadily increased. UNHCR estimates indicated 10,000 residents in Korsi at the beginning of March; to date, this has risen to about 15,000. However, these numbers are increasing dramatically due to the ongoing conflict and difficult living conditions in Sudan. According to the IOM displacement tracking matrix, 98% of people from Sudan are based in Birao and 1% in Bangui.
The new refugees in the Central African Republic have been temporarily housed by local authorities in the classrooms of the Am-Dafock primary school, awaiting intervention from the government or NGOs operating in the area. Their goal is to reach the Korsi site in Birao as soon as possible to receive humanitarian assistance.
The site already hosts over 13,000 Sudanese refugees, whose daily lives are far from easy. This new wave of refugees brings additional needs, making urgent humanitarian intervention essential.
Our interventions
Our teams have conducted 20 monitoring visits, including three in the Birao neighborhoods, three at the MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) office, and 14 in Korsi, to gather and follow up on protection incidents and support community groups. In the first half of 2024, 130 people with specific needs were registered, some of whom were referred to INTERSOS for psychological support.
Additionally, to help Sudanese women and girls overcome the traumas of conflict and regain hope, we involve them in activities such as wicker bag making and pastry making, promoting their autonomy.
Challenges and needs
The Vakaga community faces several challenges: the lack of adequate healthcare facilities, equipment, and qualified health personnel to meet the needs of refugees and the host community. Furthermore, refugees are concerned about their children’s future, as there are no nearby schools. The language barrier also hinders the full integration of refugees into the community.
Together with our partners, we have focused our activities on strengthening basic social services to address the urgent needs of the growing number of refugees. However, given the significant protection risks, such as family separation, child abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment of minors by armed groups, it is urgent for the international community to mobilize and assist the refugees from Sudan.