The Oure Cassoni refugee camp in northeast Chad ‘is something of a nexus in the geopolitics of Darfur.’ It is ‘home to 27,000 refugees, most of whom have been here for more than five years.’ The U.N. special representative to Chad describes it as a ‘rest and recuperation facility for rebels from the Justice and Equality Movement, who say they’re fighting a war in Darfur.’

The camp is supposed to be a ‘humanitarian space’ but rebels regularly come by, even recruit child soldiers. ‘Loyalties in this camp are complex’ where ‘rebels and refugees are bound together.’ Both rebels and refugees come from the same Zaghawa ethnic group. Many of the refugees have lost hope on ever going back to their homes as fighting continues in their native Darfur. That is why they regard the rebels as ‘de facto protectors.’

Although the government of Chad has announced that the Oure Cassoni camp will be moved away from the border, ‘this alone will not completely strangle JEM’s lifeline.’ The presence of rebels in the Zaghawa desert refugee camp is a sign that sustainable solution for refugees and peace in Darfur are still impossible at this point.

Resumption of serious peace negotiations on Darfur will have to involve Sudan, the Darfur rebels, and Chad which have to go through democratic reform first. These can be tackled ‘under the auspices of the Doha process, sponsored by the emir of Qatar.’

Via slate