Sudanese refugees stranded in Ethiopia are facing a critical threat of dehydration as their situation worsens due to a lack of water and food.
Since the beginning of May, Ethiopian security authorities have detained over 6,000 Sudanese refugees in a forest after they fled Olala camp due to escalating insecurity and repeated kidnappings for ransom.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Saturday, several Sudanese refugees have confirmed the severity of their situation, with lives at risk due to water scarcity and the blockade imposed by Ethiopian security forces.
Azza Ibrahim, a Sudanese refugee, emphasized the urgent need for intervention, stating that fatalities from dehydration among the refugees are imminent if action is not taken immediately. She explained, “Ethiopian security forces have prevented us from accessing water from nearby ponds.”
Azza emphasized that despite relying on contaminated water for survival, they’ve now been denied access to it. She stated firmly that they wouldn’t return to the Olala camp despite the pressures, explaining, “We left because the camp was unsafe, putting our lives at risk.”
She pointed out the irony of facing similar dangers in Ethiopia after fleeing Sudan due to security concerns.
In the meantime, refugee Kamal Al-Nur urged international organizations to intervene urgently to save lives. He cautioned, “Without immediate help, refugees will die from thirst and lack of water.”
Since fighting erupted in Sudan between the army and Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, Ethiopians have hosted refugees in camps located in the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. These include reception centres, transit camps, and permanent settlements.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates 27,000 Sudanese refugees in Amhara and 20,000 in Benishangul-Gumuz.