Random Fires Destroy 40 Homes in Sudanese Refugee Camp in Chad

Sudanhorizon: Nashwa Ahmed Al-Tayeb
Two fires broke out in the Miji refugee camp for Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad on November 4th and 7th, resulting in the burning of dozens of homes, in addition to losses of property and crops.
In an exclusive statement, Adam Musa Obama, Executive Director of the Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization, said that the fire that broke out on November 7th led to the burning of 40 homes and the destruction of the affected families’ belongings, including food crops, some cash crops, and a portion of their livestock. He estimated the losses at tens of billions in Sudanese pounds.
Obama explained that the camp witnessed two fires within three days, the first on November 4th and the second on November 7th. He pointed out that the families who lost their homes are living in the open under difficult humanitarian conditions, without having received any shelter materials or relief aid as of the time of his statement.
He added that the nature of the dwellings, constructed from wood, straw, and local materials, makes them more susceptible to fire. Approximately 60% of the fires have unknown causes, while 10% were attributed to cooking-related loads, without providing further details on the source of these estimates.
The executive director noted that the majority of families who lost their homes are women and children, and that some of those affected are facing dire health conditions. He emphasized their urgent need for food, medicine, tents, clothing, mattresses, and blankets.
He stated that the organization has filed complaints with the relevant authorities, but the response remains very weak. He confirmed that those affected have notified the UNHCR and other UN agencies, but no assistance has yet reached them.
He added that the organization has issued an urgent appeal to regional and international organizations to intervene and provide basic necessities for the affected families, including food, shelter materials, and medical supplies. He warned of the continued suffering of families who have lost their homes and belongings.
In its appeal, the organization requested the provision of food, tents, tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets, clothing, and medicine. it stressed that measures should be taken to ensure the protection of refugees and reduce the frequency of fires within the refugees and IDPs camps.
The officials have stressed that families affected in the Meji camp were still awaiting aid after they lost their homes and belongings in two fires within days. They called for urgent intervention to provide shelter and basic necessities, and to ensure that those affected are not left without assistance.

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