Mekelle፡ 21 September 2024 (Tigray Herald)
Tigrayan Refugees Forced to Return to Western Tigray, the Site of Ethnic Cleansing, Amid Sudan Conflict.
Thousands of Tigrayan refugees, who fled ethnic cleansing in Western Tigray during the early stages of the war, are now being forced to return to the area under dangerous conditions. Over 70,000 Tigrayans sought refuge in Sudan during the war on Tigray, but with a war now ravaging Sudan, these refugees are being forced to return to a region still struggling with the aftermath of the genocidal war.
According to a report by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, over 11,771 Ethiopian returnees, many from Tigray, have crossed back into Ethiopia by August 2024. Among them are those who escaped the brutal violence in Western Tigray, where Tigrayans were targeted and forcibly displaced during the conflict. Sudan initially provided a safe haven, but the eruption of war between the Sudan Armed forces(SAF) and Rapid Support Forces(RSF) in Sudan in May last year has left many refugees in a desperate situation, compelling them to return to #Ethiopia.
“Following the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan on 15 April 2023, Ethiopian migrants living in Sudan as well as Ethiopian refugees registered is Sudan are forcibly returning to their country of origin. As of 7 August 2024 IOM DTM has recorded 57,568 Ethiopian who crossed the border, amongst them UNHCR identified 11,771 individuals previously registered in Sudan as refugees (Ethiopian refugee returnees).
Interviews conducted by the UNHCR team in Tigray with Ethiopian refugee returnees show their long and perilous journey from the entry points in Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz to their final destination in different locations in Tigray, avoiding conflict zones in Amhara region. UNHCR’s response to Ethiopian refugee returnees in Tigray includes the provision of shelter, clothes and cash assistance.” The UN agency published.
Medhanye Gidey, a journalist based in Sudan, says the situation is getting even worse.
“The situation here is in Sudan is getting dangerous.”
“It is much closer bro. It was the rainy season and muddy roads that hold the war from expanding. The war will begin soon. For Sure! God knows what will happen to the refugees. It is desperate” he cried.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Tigray in November 2020, over 70,000 Tigrayans have sought refuge in Sudan, with many residing in camps such as Tenedba and Um Rakuba.
Medhanye says “Tenedba refugees camp is just 50 kilometers from an active battle zone”, posing risk for the lives of over 30,000 Tigrayans refugees.
“Tigrayans refugees in Sudan don’t feel safe because the war in Sudan is claiming civilians lives.” He added.
According to OCHA, UN Humanitarian Office, “More than 18,800 have been killed” until September, 2024.
This new wave of returnees has placed immense pressure on the Tigray’s already strained resources. Many return to Western Tigray, which remains a dangerous and heavily militarized area, while others seek safety in central and eastern Tigray, where the humanitarian situation remains dire. The returnees face significant challenges, including lack of shelter, food, and access to healthcare.
In a remarks made during his meeting with French Ambassador on Wednesday, #Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda has called for immediate international assistance and emphasized the need for a full implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement. President Getachew reiterated that the federal government must withdraw Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray, as stipulated in the agreement. He stressed that the continued presence of these forces exacerbates the region’s instability and hinders the returning of IDPs.
The crisis underscores the dual displacement faced by Tigrayans, first forced from their homes due to ethnic cleansing and now driven back by escalating violence in Sudan. With both regions in turmoil, the returnees remain vulnerable, with the situation in Tigray still requires urgent global attention to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
On Monday, Tigrayan refugees in Sudan held a peaceful demonstration at the Tenedba refugee camp, calling for immediate action to improve their dire situation.
During the demonstration on Monday, refugees raised concerns over deteriorating health conditions, widespread malnutrition, and the increasing risk of death among camp residents, particularly children and the elderly.
It is to be recalled, US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, reiterated the need to withdraw Non-ENDF forces from Tigray and return those displaced back to their homes, during a media briefing on 13 September.
Here’s the lead with Journalist Medhanye’s commentary included:
Journalist Medhanye warns of the grave risks faced by thousands of Tigrayan refugees, including himself, who fled to Sudan to escape an ethnic cleansing campaign in Western Tigray but are now being forced to return as conflict in Sudan escalates. He describes the return to the region they once fled as a “humanitarian disaster in the making,” raising urgent concerns about their safety in the still-hostile and unstable area.
He appeals “the international community to press the safe return of the refugees. But, at least, dislocate them to somewhere safe temporarily.”
Source,Tigrai Television.
