As hostilities intensify between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following Israel’s invation into Lebanese territory as it occupied Palestinian, Ethiopian nationals residing in Lebanon are experiencing a deteriorating situation.
Since the onset of the conflict in early October 2023, nightly bombings and heightened military actions have severely affected local communities, including the Ethiopian migrant population.
Banchi Yimer, the founder and director of Egna Legna Besidet, an NGO dedicated to aiding Ethiopian migrants, shared, “Bombing occurs every night, especially around midnight.”
She explained that people from various regions are now dispersed, with some seeking refuge in churches and others staying with relatives.
The plight of domestic workers is particularly alarming, as many have been abandoned by their employers. “Some employers fled the country, locking their doors behind them,” Banchi lamented. “Others have simply left them to fend for themselves.”
Ethiopian migrants predominantly reside in neighborhoods such as Sabra, Dahieh, and Hadath—areas heavily affected by the ongoing conflict.
Enu, the deputy director of Egna Legna, noted that these locations, chosen for their affordability, are now facing direct attacks. “Ethiopians are drawn to these neighborhoods due to the lower living costs,” she explained, emphasizing that many also reside there to avoid police scrutiny related to their documentation status.
However, they now confront the constant danger of airstrikes.
With limited transportation options and short notice for evacuations, Ethiopians, along with other migrants from Sierra Leone and Bangladesh, find themselves in increasingly precarious conditions.
“Evacuation warnings usually come at midnight, leaving only 20 to 40 minutes to flee,” Banchi explained. “By the time they reach safety, hours may have passed.”
Most Ethiopian migrants are taking refuge in friends’ homes, often sharing cramped spaces with five or six others to evade military strikes.
“Some are left with no choice but to sleep on the streets, but the majority manage to find temporary accommodations with acquaintances,” Enu noted.
The conflict has displaced thousands along the Lebanon-Israel border since October 2023, uprooting over 150,000 individuals.
Migrants, including Ethiopians who often lack legal status, are particularly vulnerable in this volatile environment.
Banchi highlighted the additional challenges Ethiopian nationals face as public support systems diminish. She and Enu reported that Lebanese nationals receive priority for shelters and aid, while migrants, including Ethiopians, frequently find themselves excluded. “Most churches, which previously welcomed refugees, are now only assisting Lebanese nationals,” Enu explained, leading to significant obstacles in both aid distribution and housing.
This exclusionary policy leaves many Ethiopian migrants without safe havens, despite the grave dangers they encounter. “Refugees have even been expelled from schools,” Banchi noted, pointing to rising discrimination.In response to the crisis, the Ethiopian government has begun efforts to repatriate its citizens.
Banchi reported that the Ethiopian embassy in Lebanon is providing shelter and has established a hotline for assistance. “The embassy is registering nationals for repatriation,” she stated.
Recently, 51 Ethiopians were successfully returned to Addis Ababa, where they were welcomed by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ethiopian government has confirmed that additional efforts are underway to bring home more nationals stranded in Lebanon.
Ethiopian migrants have also created a support network to assist one another during this crisis.
“Since the conflict erupted along Lebanon’s border, there has been a robust support system among Ethiopians in Lebanon,” Enu shared.
“We have been helping displaced individuals since last Sunday.”
However, both Enu and Banchi stressed that as humanitarian aid and resources are increasingly directed toward Lebanese nationals, the prospects for Ethiopian and other foreign migrants remain bleak.