Tigrayan refugees living in the Tenedba camp, located in eastern Sudan, organized a nonviolent protest on Thursday, July 17, demanding immediate global assistance due to worsening humanitarian circumstances.
According to a statement from local media in Tigray, the refugees, many of whom escaped from Western Tigray, stated they are facing worsening conditions in the official camps. Demonstrators expressed worry about the sharp drop in humanitarian aid in recent months, pointing to serious shortages of food and medical supplies. Protesters cautioned that, without urgent help, lives are in danger every day.
The organizers of the protest reportedly highlighted that their hardships have been worsened by the absence of concrete progress in carrying out the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which they consider crucial for a permanent solution. Meanwhile, they called on humanitarian groups to increase assistance to address their fundamental requirements.
A day prior, on 16 July 2025, Lt. General Tadesse Werede, President of the Tigray Interim Administration,statedthat "the return of every person who has been displaced to their original homes is not a political issue, but a humanitarian concern."
He made the comments during a meeting with Andrew Mbogori, Country Director of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ethiopia. Lt. Gen. Tadesse highlighted the pressing necessity to enable the secure return of displaced Tigrayans, cautioning that numerous individuals still encounter food shortages, inadequate housing, and heightened susceptibility as the rainy season begins.
He also expressed worry about the safety of individuals who have gone back to unstable regions, emphasizing that efforts to repatriate people must focus on security and maintain the respect of those who have been displaced.
In his statement, Mbogori confirmed the UNHCR's dedication to keep offering shelter and food aid to Tigrayan refugees who have moved to Sudan, and mentioned the organization's willingness to assist their secure and respectful return once circumstances allow.
Tens of thousands of Tigrayan refugees made their way to Sudan after thewar outbreak in Tigray in November 2020, looking for safetyIn refugee camps such as Um Rakuba and Tunaydbah located in eastern Sudan. The circumstances have become more challenging due to rising violence in Sudan since April 2023, resulting in the evacuation of aid workers and a lack of supplies. Refugees have expressed growing worries about their security, nutrition, and medical care as situations continue to worsen.
Human Rights First Ethiopia, a domestic advocacy organization, had previouslycalledTo safeguard and move Tigrayan refugees in eastern Sudan, citing "severe hardship and risk" caused by the continuous fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The organization called for "immediate resettlement" back to their original regions, such as western Tigray, in accordance with the Pretoria peace deal, or for "immediate transfer... to other nations."
In September 2024, the United NationsreportedThat Ethiopian refugees, including those from Tigray, were being "compelled to return" because of the conflict in Sudan. As per UNHCR, by August 7, 2024, at least 57,568 Ethiopians had entered Ethiopia, among them 11,771 who had been registered as refugees in Sudan.
Copyright 2025 Addis Standard. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (https://www.mountaintravel.my.id/).
Tagged: Ethiopia, Sudan, Refugees and Displacement, East Africa, Conflict, Peace and Security
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Posting Komentar