On Thursday, Ethiopian authorities reported closing two camps in Tigray after residents complained of attacks. According to the United Nations, witnesses alleged that Eritrean troops might have launched the attacks. The Ethiopian government has therefore closed the camps and relocated the refugees too much safer environments.
Following the attack, the UNHCR refugee agency called on the government to protect Shimelba and Hitsats camp residents. The plea came after both camps reported that armed men attacked their base. Often when such incidents occur, the attackers abduct and kill the refugees. The attack is almost similar to the one in February when Eritrean troops forced some refugees back to Eritrea.
Are Eritrean Troops Present in Ethiopia?
Many controversies regarding the presence of the Eritrean military in Somalia have arisen. More so, many have accused them of disrupting peace in Tigray. It is unfortunate that despite the government defeating the rebellious regional government, insecurity cases are still escalating, especially for the refugees. The issue of Eritrean forces attacking and abducting refugees has become a concern.
Nonetheless, the Ethiopian government denies having any relations with the Eritrean forces. They have refuted the idea of Eritrean troops being present on Ethiopian soil. Similarly, Eritrea also dismissed claims of its troops operating in Ethiopia. Meanwhile, some refugees allege that their attackers are the Eritrean military.
Many have also accused Eritrea of intervening on behalf of the Central government. Since the accusation’s legibility is not yet clear, the chances are that Tigray’s bandits might dress to disguise the Eritrean forces. After all, since the onset of political crises in Tigray, it has been prone to insurgencies.
What Challenges Do Refugees in Tigray Battle?
Tigray hosts multiples of refugees, most of whom have fled their homes because of violence. The level of unrest in the refugee camps in Tigray is overwhelming. They live in fear, not knowing what the day has in store. The recent attack which occurred led to the relocation of 5300 refugees.
Hence the life of a refugee is never stable. Because they do not know when to expect an evacuation and start over, and it is usually challenging to move from one place to another. Due to the surging population of refugees in the region, resources are scarce. Not everyone can access humanitarian aids. It’s even worse when their government cannot cater for the refugees.
Also, while armed groups fight near the camps, the refugees risk getting injured, as there is a continuous exchange of fire and hurling of explosives. Amid the battle between the federal government and the Tigray soldiers, Tigray was in a melee, houses burnt, and some people lost their lives. The insecurity had extended to the camps. The Human Rights Watch had to demand the Ethiopian government to restore peace.
“Refugees didn’t get the necessary services quickly, and also, they panicked due to the firing happening around the camps. So they left the camps, and Ethiopian defense forces sheltered them and escorted them to the nearest towns of Tigray,” said Tesfahun, Ethiopia’s human rights commission.
Amidst all the challenges in the camps, Aid agencies cannot access the camps. Therefore they have not been able to get accurate information regarding the camps’ situation, mostly since reports from both government and refugees defer.
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