Sudanese Refugees Arrive at New Aftit Camp in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Moatinoon
Yesterday, a number of Sudanese refugees arrived at the new camp site in Aftit, located in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. This relocation was arranged by Ethiopias Refugees and Returnees Service and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

A Sudanese refugee, in contact with "Citizens," reported that the Ethiopian government transferred the refugees from the Komer camp to the new Aftit camp near the city of Shahidi, close to the Sudanese border. He added that they are currently staying in schools near the new camp, awaiting entry today or tomorrow.

He mentioned that the new camp is safer than the Komer and Olala camps, and that it has intermittent internet services, allowing them to communicate with the outside world.

On July 20, the Ethiopian government and UNHCR issued a joint statement confirming that the new site has good specifications to enhance the security and protection of the refugees.

The new Aftit site can accommodate 12,500 refugees, mostly from Sudan, including those previously hosted at the Olala and Komer camps and those in transit centers.

The Amhara region of Ethiopia is experiencing military operations between federal forces and the Fano group, leading to instability and security disruptions that have affected the Komer and Olala camps near the city of Gondar in the Amhara region. The camps have witnessed violent incidents at various times, resulting in the deaths and injuries of many Sudanese refugees by armed forces, as well as deteriorating health and food conditions in the camps.

On July 21, the Sudanese Refugees Coordination Committee stated that refugees trapped in the Olala forests were attacked with firearms after refusing to move to the Aftit camp, citing its location within the troubled Amhara region and its proximity to the Sudanese border, which contradicts UNHCR regulations. The attack resulted in the deaths of two refugees and injuries to 16 others.

The Ethiopian government announced that the Komer and Olala camps will be gradually closed to ensure adequate security and protection, and to improve services and assistance for those forced to flee.