By Ebi Kesiena
Thousands of Sudanese refugees have fled UN camps in northern Ethiopia due to a series of violent incidents.
According to accounts from three refugees interviewed by the BBC, the number of those escaping from Komer and Olala camps could be as high as 7,000. However, the BBC has not independently verified this figure.
Although reports have it that the UN Refugee Agency had previously acknowledged awareness of refugees leaving their camps due to security concerns, it was yet to respond to the BBC regarding the reported incidents.
These camps are situated in Ethiopia’s turbulent north-western Amhara region, where clashes between local militias and the army have persisted since August 2023. Compounded by an emergency decree and an internet blackout in the region, the situation remains volatile.
Refugees have recounted recent attacks by gunmen, escalating incidents of armed robbery, and kidnappings for ransom. In the absence of adequate protection from authorities, they have resorted to spending nights along the main road and seeking refuge near a police station in a nearby small town.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April has forced over 1.5 million Sudanese nationals to flee their homeland. Approximately 33,000 have sought refuge in Ethiopia, according to UN estimates.
Expressing a plea for assistance, a refugee from Komer camp, located 70 km (43 miles) away, stressed on the compounded hardships faced by those fleeing conflict only to encounter further dangers in their places of refuge.
