NEW YORK,19 Oct. - (ANA) - Since Sudan descended into its atrocity-ridden conflict last year, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese and others have fled for their lives to neighboring countries. Most have ended up in Chad to the west, but tens of thousands have sought refuge in Ethiopia to the east, according to Human Rights Watch.

 

In Ethiopia, however, many have become victims of the shifting conflict in the northwestern Amhara region between Ethiopian government forces and the Amhara militia group known as Fano.

 

It sounds like a case of “out of the frying pan and into the fire,” but the full story is more like out of one fire and into another.

 

When they first left shattered Sudan, many of these refugees went to two camps in the Amhara region. But at those initial locations, they found only more insecurity and violence. Unidentified local gunmen and militias carried out killings, beatings, looting, abductions for ransom, and forced labor. 

 

To try to address this and better protect the refugees, in July this year Ethiopian and United Nations refugee authorities relocated thousands of refugees to a new camp in the Amhara region.

 

Since last month, however, Fano has clashed with federal forces near these newer refugee sites. Fano has also occupied some sites, putting refugees at further risk of attack. 

 

In short, they fled violence in Sudan, only to find more of the same in Ethiopia. They escaped the clutches of Sudan’s warring parties, only to fall prey to abuses in Ethiopia by unidentified gunmen, the Fano militia group, and, more recently, government forces.

 

The Ethiopian government needs to step up. They have a legal obligation in international law to provide protection for these refugees. Ethiopia’s international partners also need to do more , increasing support so these refugees receive medical care, food, shelter, and other emergency assistance.

 

These refugees have fled horrors back home. They urgently need protection, not more horrors.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/18 October 2024 - - -