Chad’s Déby Wins 2026 African Peace Prize for Role in Sudan Refugee Crisis. N’Djamena, Chad — Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has been honored with the 2026 African Peace Prize for his efforts in managing Chad’s political transition and the nation’s humanitarian response to the influx of Sudanese refugees, the African Conference for Peace announced.
According to official statements, the Prize Committee, which met at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, under the auspices of the UN — mandated University for Peace (UPEACE), unanimously decided to award President Déby for his role in consolidating peace within Chad while opening the country’s eastern border to hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict.
The African Conference for Peace highlighted President Déby’s commitment to strengthening national unity and using dialogue as a strategic tool for resolving political and regional disputes. Since assuming power, Déby has strived to reconcile various political and social groups in Chad, promote national reconciliation, and combat extremism and cross-border crime.
On the humanitarian front, the government’s decision to keep borders open to Sudanese refugees has been praised by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and aid organizations operating in eastern Chad.
President Déby’s order to open border crossings and create humanitarian corridors in areas such as Adré, Tiné, Kornoy, Um Dukhun, Wadi Hawar, and Amdjarass, along with his encouragement for local communities to host the displaced, has been instrumental in providing refuge to thousands. Data cited by the committee indicate that between 40% and 45% of the refugees have been absorbed into host communities, with villages in eastern Chad sharing homes, wells, and schools without compensation.
This solidarity has led the United Nations to describe Chad as “a rare model of African generosity toward refugees despite limited resources.”.
Dr. David Fernández Puyana, who chaired the committee, said the award reflects a collective commitment to the values of peace and dialogue and sends a message of hope to the entire African continent.
Cheikh Al — Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah, a member of the committee, emphasized that the prize is a recognition of a national approach and a vision of leadership that places the human being at the center of its priorities.
The award ceremony is scheduled for early February in Nouakchott, during the opening session of the 6th African Conference for Peace, where Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani will present the prize to President Déby. Further details are expected to emerge as the award ceremony approaches.
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Source: Chad’s Déby wins 2026 African Peace Prize for role in Sudan refugee crisis — [africanews.
Com]( Africanews.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
