Strengthening Social Cohesion in Eastern Chad
Eastern Chad has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with an influx of refugees and returnees from Darfur seeking safety in the Ouaddaï province. This situation has strained already limited resources such as land, water, and basic services, creating tensions between host communities, refugees, and returnees. Addressing these challenges and fostering peaceful coexistence is a critical priority for the region.
Through the RECOS project (Energy and Socio-Economic Resilience for Refugees, Returnees, and Host Populations in Eastern Chad), CRISP, in partnership with GIZ, is committed to strengthening social cohesion in this complex and fragile environment.
Quick Facts
DURATION: July – November 2025
LOCATIONS: Ouaddaï Province (16–18 villages and 3 refugee camps, including Farchana, Gaga, and Dougui)
PARTICIPANTS: Over 400 interviewees (Local authorities, local leaders, women, youth, refugees, returnees, and NGOs) in Phase 1
BENEFICIARIES: Host, refugee, and returnee communities in Eastern Chad
About the Project
The project is structured in two phases. Phase one was successfully completed in just three weeks, demonstrating CRISP’s capacity to adapt quickly and efficiently to short-term projects in challenging environments. This initial phase focused on conducting a comprehensive conflict dynamics analysis, providing key insights into the sources of tension and opportunities for peacebuilding between the various communities.
Phase one also set up the necessary tools and frameworks for ongoing support, equipping our local team in Chad with the resources and methodologies needed for sustainable conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
The Deep Conflict Analysis
The conflict dynamics analysis carried out in phase one laid the groundwork for the entire RECOS project. It identified key conflict actors, assessed their interests and strategies, and mapped out sources of tension such as resource competition, land disputes, and gender-based violence. The analysis also highlighted existing mechanisms for conflict management and opportunities for peacebuilding, including the involvement of women and youth as critical peacebuilding agents.
By combining qualitative research methods with participatory engagement, we ensured that the voices of local communities were central to understanding the conflict landscape and informing future interventions.
Goals and Impact
The findings from phase one will guide the next steps of the RECOS project, ensuring that future interventions are both conflict-sensitive and responsive to the evolving dynamics within the communities. The conflict analysis will also serve as an essential decision-making tool for GIZ and its partners, fostering a collaborative approach to address tensions and promote peace.
Our goal is to foster peaceful coexistence between host, refugee, and returnee communities, building local resilience and social cohesion while addressing the root causes of conflict.
