Senior Journalist Commends Ethiopia for Creating Compassionate Environment for Sudanese Refugees

Addis Ababa, June 30, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has created a compassionate environment that has helped thousands of Sudanese refugees to overcome the hardships of displacement, the Sudanese Alsulta Net Website Editor-in-Chief, Salim Ismail Abualamah, said.

The Sudanese journalist, who is himself a refugee, commended the humanitarian support provided by the Ethiopian government and people to Sudanese nationals who were forced to flee their country due to the ongoing conflict.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Abualamah stated that the Ethiopian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has adopted significant humanitarian measures to support Sudanese refugees.

Among these are waiver of residency fees for a period of nine months, a decision that was met with widespread appreciation and deep gratitude by the Sudanese community, he said.

"Dr. Abiy Ahmed said that Sudanese are not foreigners, but rather part of the Ethiopian family. These were not merely words—we experienced this reality firsthand through the generosity, hospitality, and warm welcome extended to us by the Ethiopian people."

According to Abualamah, Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia enjoy freedom of movement and receive strong support from both local communities and institutions, enabling many of them to adapt to the challenges of displacement despite the hardships brought about by the conflict.

The Editor-in-Chief noted that the war in Sudan has displaced millions of people both within the country and beyond its borders, stressing that no place, regardless of the comfort and opportunities it may offer, can ever replace one's homeland.

He further noted that refugees continue to face challenges related to language, cultural integration, and access to employment.

Abualamah, who said that he has managed to adapt to life in Ethiopia "thanks to the support of friends and the Sudanese community", many others remain in need of greater assistance.

Speaking about Africa more broadly, the senior journalist described Ethiopia as a promising model for development through its implementation of major strategic projects.

He called for stronger cooperation among African countries and greater efforts to learn from successful development experiences across the continent.

Abualamah urged the strengthening of the African Union's role and deeper regional integration, emphasizing that Africa possesses the resources and potential necessary to achieve sustainable development when supported by visionary leadership and a shared strategic vision.

He concluded by expressing hope that peace and stability will soon return to Sudan, allowing all displaced persons and refugees to return safely to their homeland.