Sudanese Refugees Laud Hospitality, Respect of Ethiopians

Addis Ababa July 21/2023(ENA):- Sudanese refugees, who entered Ethiopia fleeing the conflict in their country, said the respect and love demonstrated by the people of Ethiopia ‘have made us consider Ethiopia as our second home.’ 

The conflict in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee to neighboring countries, including Ethiopia. 

Following the conflict, many Sudanese refugees have entered Amhara, Benishangul-Gumz, and Gambella regions through multiple border crossing points.

Among those some10,000 have entered Benishangul-Gumuz region and are sheltered in Bambis, Tsore and Sherkole camps in Benishangul-Gumuz region.

Abursul Abdulahi is one of the refugees sheltered in Kumruk temporary camp with his two children. He told ENA that he is happy with the hospitality given to him by the government and people of Ethiopia.

The other refugee from Omdurman Saleh neighborhood in Khartoum, Muktar Ali said his stay in Ethiopia is good as he found his family safe sheltered in the Kumruk temporary camp. The respect and love showed by Ethiopians have made us consider Ethiopia as our second home.

“I came here to meet my family in the border; and now Alhamdulillah I have met my family  safe. I feel safe and feel Ethiopia as my second home. Every one respects us.”

According to Muktar, the refugees have been receiving food and other basic provisions 3 times a day, in addition to medical services. 

Some 10,000 Sudanese refugees who entered Ethiopia over the past months through the Benishangul-Gumuz region have been provided with the necessary support and care, the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service disclosed.  

 

Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service Assossa Branch Head, Yassin Ashenafi told ENA that over the past few months 10,000 refugees have crossed over to Ethiopia fleeing the conflict in Sudan.  

The refugees are now sheltered in Kumruk and other temporary camps located in the border districts of Assosa Zone, receiving food, medical service and clothing, among other things, he added.  

The support is being extended to the refugees in collaboration with UNHCR and other partners as per the international refugee convention, Yassin stated.  

The support and hospitality being rendered by the host community and government institutions in the areas would strengthen the long standing relationship of the people of the two countries. 

Noting that the refugees are expressing their readiness to go back to their country once Sudan becomes stable, the head said the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service has been carrying out efforts to expand the support by facilitating additional shelters. 

“There are conventions ratified by Ethiopia. (And) we are working according to these conventions,” he added. 

In total, 90,000 Sudanese refugees are sheltered in Bambis, Tsore and Sherkole camps in Benishangul-Gumuz region.