In response to the evolving landscape of the regional response to the Sudanese crisis, the Chad Logistics Working Group, together with the World Food Programme (WFP) Chad and Atlas Logistique, has embarked on a journey to bolster the logistics capabilities of partners operating in Eastern Chad through a targeted capacity development initiative.
Since 2023, the Chad Logistics Working Group has supported Atlas Logistique in enhancing its capacity to offer storage services to organizations operating in Eastern Chad. The Chad Logistics Working Group loaned four Mobile Storage Units (MSUs) to Atlas Logistique in Adré, a locality in Eastern Chad where there is a high presence of humanitarian actors addressing several humanitarian challenges: the protracted Chadian crisis (internal displacement and severe lean season), the influx of Sudanese refugees due to renewed clashes in Darfur, and cross-border operations to reach beneficiaries in Sudan.
One of these MSUs was recently assembled during a hands-on, immersive training session on May 14, 2024, in Adré. Recognizing the diverse challenges and operational constraints faced by partners, the Chad Logistics Working Group decided to enhance the technical skills of humanitarian logisticians on the ground. A diverse cohort of 14 participants, comprising representatives from six humanitarian organizations, converged to partake in this training session. Their presence underscored the collective commitment of the humanitarian community to enhance logistics capacities for efficient emergency response.
The hands-on session allowed participants to become acquainted with the steps involved in erecting MSUs, enhancing their independence in future warehouse setups when utilizing mobile units. The training offered a balanced blend of theoretical insights and practical guidance on MSU assembly, facilitated by a WFP technical instructor.
Throughout the training, participants demonstrated enthusiasm and teamwork, collaborating to deepen their understanding of storage unit setup. Their positive feedback underscored the value of such capacity-building initiatives, with many expressing the importance of extending training opportunities to staff members across partner organizations.
As Chad navigates the complexities of humanitarian response, these initiatives represent crucial steps towards building a pool of skilled logistics professionals equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.