Chad: Safety through light: how access to light improves the lives of populations during times of crisis

Country: Chad Source: Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development In eastern Chad, the Dougui settlement lies at the heart of an emergency humanitarian response to the violence that has erupted in neighboring Sudan since 2023. Designed to provide dignified shelter for displaced populations, the site already hosts more than 20,000 people, yet still faces major infrastructure and safety needs. As public lighting represents a critical protection issue, ACTED, with the support of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, is working to illuminate high-risk areas and help ensure a safer and more protective environment. Lack of lighting: a major driver of vulnerability in Dougui More than 100 km from the Sudanese border, the Dougui settlement site was established to provide a safer environment for populations fleeing violence in Darfur. Located in the Ouaddaï province — which has received the majority of refugees since the start of the conflict — the site has become a key relocation area, hosting a population made up of 74% women and children, many of whom arrived in extremely vulnerable conditions. Despite its crucial role, Dougui continues to face limited capacities: essential infrastructure, including shelters, latrines, and public lighting, remains insufficient, exposing women and girls to heightened risks of violence and abuse. Working closely with communities to identify major protection risks and define appropriate mitigation measures, ACTED teams regularly conduct safety audits through discussions with women and girls on the site, visual assessments, and participatory mapping workshops. The latest assessment revealed that 28% of surveyed households reported protection incidents during the previous two weeks, including theft, domestic violence, sexual assault, and physical attacks. In particular, the lack of public lighting was identified as a major concern: pathways leading to water points and latrines become feared areas after nightfall. Daily movements to collect water and firewood, access latrines, or reach the market are therefore severely restricted by fear of assault. Securing key areas to reduce protection risks In response to these findings, Acted has already installed 30 solar streetlights in strategic locations identified together with the communities, including site entrances, the market area, near the health centre, and along the main circulation routes. This sustainable and autonomous lighting solution, which comes at no energy cost for communities, helps make these spaces more visible and safer to access. Improved lighting reduces exposure to protection risks and facilitates movement throughout the site, while also supporting the continuation of social and economic activities after nightfall. The deployment of streetlights near key areas such as the health center and the market has promoted their reappropriation by the local population once night falls. The illuminated health center is now more easily accessible, allowing for better emergency care in the evening, while at the market, vendors benefit from extended commercial activities at the end of the day. By enhancing both safety and attendance, lighting plays a key role in bringing life to these spaces, which are essential hubs of economic activity and social life. A tangible impact on the daily lives of residents in Dougui For the members most exposed to violence – women and girls, who are the majority on the site – darkness until now represented a physical and psychological barrier to access essential services. Access to health services was notably affected by the fear of moving around, including for emergencies, as illustrated by the story of Fatima*, a patient met at the Dougui health center: Before the installation of this streetlight by Acted, coming to the health center at night was a trial. We would walk with fear in our stomachs, especially when we had to urgently accompany a pregnant woman or a sick relative. Even equipped with a flashlight, we were never completely reassured: a battery can run out at any moment or, in the rush of an emergency, we might forget our flashlight at home. Fatima Beyond reducing risks and improving the feeling of safety, the lighting also helped support economic activities on the site: the installation of streetlights made it possible to extend activities in the market, increasing trade and income for merchants. Mahamat*, who has had his stall at the Dougui market for more than two years, notes a significant change: Before the installation of the streetlights by Acted, the market became dangerous as soon as night fell. We had to close early, around 6 p.m., not only out of fear of merchandise theft, but also because our customers themselves were afraid to venture into the dark [...] This streetlight is not just light. It is safety, it is life returning to the market. We work with peace of mind, and our customers come back. Mahamat Finally, for the youngest, lighting provides concrete support for their schooling. Mariam* and her classmates, students on the site, can now study in the evening, review their lessons, and prepare for assessments in better conditions. The availability of light after nightfall offers additional learning time, often crucial for consolidating knowledge and maintaining a regular work pace. Mariam* testifies: Today, thanks to the light installed at the Dougui site, I can finally study safely once night falls. This has changed my school life: I have more time to learn my lessons and I am more calm when preparing for my exams. Mariam The intervention in Dougui illustrates an approach based on the real needs of displaced people, in order to develop solutions that concretely improve their daily lives. Access to lighting not only makes movements safer, but also strengthens the sense of security within a vulnerable community, generating ripple effects: boosting economic activities, facilitating household tasks including school learning, and reinforcing social cohesion. Acted thus reaffirms its commitment to responding to the needs of displaced people by laying the foundations for a protective environment. *The names of beneficiaries have been changed to preserve their anonymity.
2026-05-13 00:51:45