Chad and Central African Republic organise return of 146,000 refugees
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mali Actu
Chad, the Central African Republic and the UNHCR have agreed in N'Djamena on arrangements for the voluntary return of around 146,000 Central African refugees living in southern Chad. The roadmap provides for a gradual, secure repatriation supported by reintegration assistance, according to the authorities of both countries and the UNHCR.
Chad, the Central African Republic and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) adopted on Wednesday 4 November 2026 in N'Djamena the arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of around 146,000 Central African refugees living mainly in southern Chad. The meeting was co-chaired by Zara Mahamat Issa, Chad's minister for social action, and Lina Josiane Bemaka-Soui, a Central African minister, according to the participating authorities and the UNHCR.
The roadmap provides for returns to be freely decided by families, organised progressively in safe conditions and accompanied by socio-economic reintegration measures in the Central African Republic. It aims to prevent destabilisation in areas of return and promote the lasting settlement of returnees, according to the three parties.
The adoption follows the return of 286 Central African refugees from Cameroon, announced on 3 November after 12 years in exile. It also forms part of exchanges conducted by the UNHCR on forced displacement, bringing together experts on 30 September.
