Refugees in Ethiopia’s Amhara region are enduring relentless violence, neglect, and insecurity, prompting urgent calls for relocation. Thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese refugees face daily attacks by armed locals, militia groups, and bandits. Refugee camps like Alemwach, initially intended as safe havens, have become dangerous due to unchecked lawlessness.
Amhara has been mired in conflict since August 2023, with Fano militias clashing against government forces. This has created a security vacuum, leaving camps exposed. Refugees report frequent robberies, kidnappings, and assaults. Armed attackers, including local security forces, are accused of exploiting refugees. At Alemwach camp, at least nine refugees have been killed in the past year, and abductions for ransom are common.
Poor living conditions compound the crisis. Food supplies are inconsistent, medical care is minimal, and sanitation is inadequate. Refugees describe their situation as desperate, with ambulances too afraid to enter and residents forced to carry the sick on stretchers.
Earlier this year, insecurity forced the closure of Kumer and Awlala camps. Many refugees were relocated to Aftit camp, which provides better security but lacks adequate services. Despite these measures, attacks and abuses persist, including forced labor and killings.
Refugees are pleading with the United Nations and Ethiopian authorities for resettlement to safer areas. Leaders at Alemwach camp have expressed fears that the escalating conflict could lead to greater harm. “We escaped violence only to face another war,” said one Sudanese refugee.
The worsening instability in Amhara, combined with Ethiopia’s struggle to maintain law and order, has left refugees vulnerable. As calls for action grow, humanitarian agencies face difficulties accessing conflict-hit areas, raising questions about the safety and future of these displaced communities.