Since 2004, almost 28,000 of the refugees who have fled the conflict in Darfur have lived in the camp of Oure Cassoni, the Sudanese refugee camp located the farthest north of Eastern Chad. ACTED has been assisting the refugees in the camp since then. Five years later, the emergency situation continues. Although self-sufficiency remains elusive, ACTED has been, in partnership with both the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Department and the UNHCR, committed to enhance the future prospects of the most deprived.

Oure Cassoni, past achievements and future prospects

The camp of Oure Cassoni is located in the midst of a hostile and fragile environment. It stretches on a wide sand-based perimeter, amid rocks, dunes and a few acacias, which scarcely grow in the ouadis’ bed, ephemeral rivers that only last a few weeks per year. Initially set up for a short-term period, the improvised tents and shelter have since been converted. The refugees have built little clay walls to protect their “premises” and to have some privacy. Hence, the camp somehow looks like a small town.The socio-economic recovery rests on the establishment of a central market and small shops. In addition, ACTED and other humanitarian actors have built schools, health clinics and distribution centres.

Read more about ACTED intervention in Ouré Cassoni: