Refugees International: Reports: Visual mission: Camps in southern Chad for Central African refugees

Home About Us Donate Where We Work Issues Blog

Visual mission: Camps in southern Chad for Central African refugees

Southern Chad hosts about 50,000 refugees who fled the conflict in northwest Central African Republic (CAR). The Central Africans fled the conflict across the border in Ouham and Ouham-Pende regions and are now living in four camps: Amboko, Amboko extension, Gonji and the recently opened Dosseye near the rural town of Gore, located 35 kilometers from the border. Another site is situated around Yaroungou, 33 kilometers from the border. With the conflict in the CAR showing no sign of ending in the near future, the refugees are expected to stay longer in these camps.

Chad 2006: CAR refugees pump water in refugee camp

Photo Credit: Refugees International
11/10/2006
With the possibility of more refugees arriving, the Office of the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the few international NGOs present are pursuing a policy of integration. However, the presence of an estimated 50,000 additional people around Gore, which has no electricity, public transport, telephone lines except mobile service since last November, and minimal recreational activities, creates tension between the residents and the newcomers. Both the host community and the Central Africans are engaged in agriculture, cattle herding and commerce. Sharing of sufficient land for agriculture and opportunities for employment and education are the most significant areas of contention.