In eastern Chad, the presence of international actors is justified by the fragilities that have left their mark on the territory over decades: environmental degradation, food insecurity, and recurring violence. But it is an acute humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of the war in neighboring Darfur combined with a political stalemate at home that is now hitting the region. Paradoxically, international action is not offering any solutions to those fragilities: the refugee camps set up in the Sahel zone are increasing the pressure on the environment; the food aid confines the region to dependence; military interventions do not put an end to insecurity. Finally, the perpetuation of the international presence exacerbates regional fragilities: it is instrumental in the State’s failure to take responsibility in the ongoing war and in the rejection of the West.