Sudanese Refugees Flee UN Camp in Ethiopia Amid Attacks and Worsening Crisis in Darfur

At least 1,000 Sudanese refugees have fled a United Nations-run camp in northern Ethiopia following a series of shootings and robberies. The refugees reported being attacked and robbed by local militiamen, prompting their decision to leave the Kumer camp, which is located 70 kilometers from the Sudanese border in Ethiopia's Amhara region. The camp was home to around 8,000 residents, with approximately 7,000 fleeing on foot early Wednesday morning.

Why this matters: The mass exodus of Sudanese refugees from the Kumer camp highlights the failure of international efforts to provide safe havens for those displaced by conflict, and emphasizes the need for urgent action to address theworsening humanitarian crisis in Darfur. If left unaddressed, the crisis could lead to further destabilization of the region and have far-reaching consequences for global security.

The refugees were detained by police shortly after leaving the camp. One Sudanese refugee said, "We can't stay here anymore. We have been kidnapped, killed and attacked repeatedly since we arrived here in June. We have decided to return to Sudan, despite the war." The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) confirmed the exodus, stating, "The reasons they gave for leaving were mainly because they did not feel safe in the settlement." The agency added, "This follows several reports of security incidents, including crimes, robberies, armed robberies, shootings and suspected kidnappings."

The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, resulting in over 1.6 million Sudanese fleeing their country. Around 33,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into Ethiopia, with many settling in the Kumer camp. Amhara militias have been fighting federal forces in the region for nearly a year, resulting in over 200 deaths last year, according to the United Nations.

The situation in Darfur, Sudan, has also deteriorated, with the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitaryRapid Support Forces(RSF) leading to worsening hunger. Some people are reportedly eating soil or leaves as famine threatens. Aid officials say both sides have been looting aid or blocking it from reaching areas where starvation is taking hold, contributing to a humanitarian crisis.

The violence around al Fashir has blocked a recently opened humanitarian corridor from Chad, and time is running out to prevent starvation in the vast region. In the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur, 30% of at least 46,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) criticized the UN's response, stating, "Despite being aware of the severity of the situation and despite famine alerts coming from UN agencies themselves, the UN are doing far too little to prevent the malnutrition crisis in Zamzam from falling further into catastrophe."

The mass exodus of Sudanese refugees from the Kumer camp in Ethiopia and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Darfur highlight the urgent need for increased security measures and aid delivery in the region. The conflict in Sudan continues, prompting the international community to take swift action to protect vulnerable refugees and prevent further loss of life resulting from violence and starvation.

Key Takeaways

• 1,000+ Sudanese refugees flee UN-run camp in Ethiopia due to attacks and robberies.
• Refugees report being attacked and robbed by local militiamen, prompting exodus.
• Conflict in Sudan has displaced 1.6 million people, with 33,000 fleeing to Ethiopia.
• Darfur humanitarian crisis worsens, with people eating soil or leaves to survive.
• International community urged to take swift action to protect refugees and prevent further loss of life.