N’Djamena – On 5 December, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Swiss Cooperation in Chad signed two new projects aimed at supporting the humanitarian response in eastern Chad and strengthening community stabilization in the centre of the country. The two projects, amounting to a total of CHF 1.5 million, will help to improve the resilience of communities affected by the crisis in Sudan, and promote community stabilization in the provinces of Kanem, Bahr-Gazel, and Batha.

“We are delighted with this partnership, which reinforces our commitment to local communities at a time when the country is experiencing an alarming humanitarian situation,” said Pascal Reyntjens, IOM Chief of Mission in Chad. “These initiatives reflect our desire to continue supporting the national and local authorities in finding and implementing sustainable solutions for the country’s recovery and development,” he added. Since the outbreak of fighting in Sudan, more than 550,000 people have crossed the border into Chad. IOM estimates that over 98,770 of these are Chadian returnees and expects this number to rise to 150,000 by late March 2024, due to renewed conflict in Darfur.

To improve the living conditions of vulnerable returnees and resilience of host communities, IOM, through its project “Support to the humanitarian response in Chad” (Soutien à la réponse humanitaire au Tchad, in French) worth CHF 500,000, will support the construction and distribution of health facility kits such as boreholes and latrines, as well as the distribution of essential household kits to 1,740 families in the provinces of Ouaddaï and Sila. These crucial resources will enable them to regain stability and self-sufficiency, helping them to take control of their future.

The second project, with funding of CHF 1 million, is dedicated to community stabilization in the central provinces of Kanem, Bahr el-Gazel and Batha. Over a period of 14 months, it aims to support 28 communities in the three provinces by setting up local grants to implement essential projects such as building or rehabilitating social infrastructure including health centres and schools, and building the capacity of youth and women for sustainable livelihoods.

Through a participatory community planning approach involving the various social groups and local authorities, the project will contribute to strengthening the social fabric, promoting access to education and essential resources, and fostering cohesion within communities.

Overall, almost 60,000 people will benefit from the work of the two projects.

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For more information, please contact: Tannone Adeline, Programme and Communications Assistant. Email: fadaaffana@iom.int.