Sudanese Refugees in Ethiopia Face Increasing Threats Amid Ongoing Clashes
Human Rights Watch has reported that Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia are facing significant dangers due to ongoing clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and regional militias. Abuses such as murder, beatings, and looting have been documented near refugee camps. As many refugees escape conflict in Sudan, they encounter new threats to their safety in Ethiopia, raising concerns about the adequacy of protection measures provided.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a dire warning regarding the perilous situation faced by Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia as a result of ongoing clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and regional militias. The conflict, centered primarily in the Amhara state, has escalated since April 2023, urging the federal government to take decisive action against paramilitary groups like the Fano militia. With a state of emergency that affected approximately 23 million residents in Amhara having lapsed in June, violence has persisted, resulting in the deployment of federal troops as recently as September. Ethiopia’s proximity to Sudan, now mired in civil war involving the Rapid Support Forces and de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has exacerbated the refugee crisis, with thousands fleeing the conflict. According to HRW’s deputy Africa director, Laetitia Bader, “Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia have been targets of abuses for more than a year from various armed actors.” The rights organization highlighted that these refugees, who have already escaped severe persecution in Sudan, are now vulnerable to serious abuses in Ethiopia, including murders, assaults, looting, kidnappings for ransom, and forced labor near refugee camps. HRW’s investigative efforts, which included phone interviews with refugees from three camps and a transit center, revealed alarming levels of violence and insecurity since June 2023. One refugee recounted the traumatic experiences faced by themselves and their children, stating, “We wanted to be safe when we left Sudan, but the beatings and robbery (in Ethiopia) were a lot for us to take. My kids were crying.” This individual also reported being insulted by local authorities, who suggested they should return to Sudan if dissatisfied with their conditions in Ethiopia. HRW communicated preliminary findings to Ethiopia’s refugee service, which acknowledged the camps’ proximity to conflict zones but adamantly claimed there was “adequate security” available. However, escalating violence in Amhara has led to the closure of refugee camps such as Awlala and Kumer as of July 2023.
The alarming situation of Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia is rooted in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has driven significant numbers of people from their homeland. Since April 2023, clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and various militias, particularly in the Amhara region, have further aggravated the safety and security of these refugees. Ethiopia has seen a complex interplay of local and national conflicts, which, coupled with the sudden influx of Sudanese fleeing violence, poses a strain on its already challenging humanitarian landscape. HRW’s reports shed light on the neglect and risks associated with refugee camps, raising questions about the adequacy of protective measures in place.
In summary, the situation for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia is increasingly perilous, as they contend with violence and abuses at the hands of local armed groups amidst ongoing conflicts. Human Rights Watch’s findings illustrate the urgent need for protective measures and a reassessment of the security provided in refugee camps. The testimonies of refugees underscore the critical nature of their plight and the failures of the Ethiopian authorities to ensure their safety. Without intervention and support, these refugees remain in a vulnerable position, facing the dual threats of violence and neglect.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
