Widespread insecurity in eastern Chad is putting a severe strain on humanitarian operations, with rebel activity rendering large parts of the terrain impassable. Aid workers were already struggling to cope with 230 000 refugees as well as 90 000 internally displaced Chadians, when rebels stepped up their offensives in the area two weeks ago.

The Chadian Army is stepping up reinforcements in the east of the country as it struggles to deal with rebels intent on overthrowing President Idriss Déby Itno. An upsurge in attacks in the past few weeks has left hundreds of soldiers dead and wounded, and counter-offensives launched by Deby’s men have failed to quell the rebellion.