Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia are facing repeated attacks from local militias and bandits, prompting them to seek evacuation.
Thousands of Sudanese refugees are currently residing in a forest near the Ethiopian-Sudanese border, seeking refuge after facing attacks by local militias targeting UN-run refugee camps. The refugees escaped in May following repeated assaults by gunmen and bandits who pillaged supplies, committed sexual assaults, engaged in kidnapping for ransom, and terrorized the civilian population.
Refugees who managed to evade the attacks assert that approximately 7,000 individuals departed from the camps, with about 3,000 remaining in the forest, coexisting with "wild animals" like hyenas, scorpions, and snakes. Amid this dire situation, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that around 1,000 people left the camps, emphasizing their desire to depart from the Ethiopian borderlands and the country as a whole, refusing relocation to other camps in Ethiopia.
The ongoing conflict exacerbates the dire conditions faced by Sudanese refugees, with over 10 million individuals displaced due to the violent power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tensions further escalate as Ethiopian government forces clash with the Fano armed group in the Amhara region, where refugee camps are subjected to frequent attacks by criminal elements.
Moreover, inadequate healthcare facilities within the camps pose significant risks to refugees, with reports of a cholera outbreak endangering numerous children. Accessing medical care outside the camps proves challenging, as refugees are required to obtain government permissions, often leading to delays or denials resulting in tragic outcomes as illustrated by a refugee's heartbreaking suicide due to the lack of permit for life-saving treatment.
Despite these challenges, the Ethiopian government's response falls short of addressing the critical needs of refugees, leaving them vulnerable and neglected. Escalating violence and limited resources further compound the already dire situation, prompting calls for urgent intervention from humanitarian agencies and international partners.
Sudanese refugees advocate for their rights and safety, demanding better living conditions and protection from the atrocities they endure on a daily basis. The unrest and uncertainty surrounding their fate underscore the urgent need for sustainable solutions and support to alleviate their plight.
Source: ALJAZEERA
ALJAZEERA MEDIA NETWORK