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July 21, 2024 (Addis Ababa) – Another attack on Olara refugee camp in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has left two Sudanese refugees dead, the second militant incident in less than a week.
More than 6,000 Sudanese refugees, including more than 2,300 women and children, are living in poor conditions in the Olara Forest in the Amhara region. They face significant threats, including attacks by Ethiopian armed groups and the upcoming rainy season, and lack adequate shelter.
According to sources in the refugee camp, the attack killed two refugees and injured about nine people. The motive for the attack is still unclear, but a similar incident occurred three days ago, in which several refugees were injured, including a child, and two Ethiopian policemen were killed.
The Sudanese Refugee Coordination Office in the Amhara region issued a press statement condemning the attack and confirming the casualties. They also criticized UNHCR officials for threatening refugees who refused to move to the new camp.
Khaled Omer, a prominent member of the Tagadoum Civil Society Alliance, said on Saturday that Hadi Idris, the alliance’s vice president and chairman of the refugee committee, was negotiating with Ethiopian officials on the situation of Sudanese refugees.
Sources familiar with the refugee crisis told Sudan Tribune that Ethiopian authorities offered to relocate Sudanese refugees to other safer places in the Amhara region. But the refugees reportedly rejected the offer.
Refugees are increasingly frustrated with the apparent neglect of the Sudanese Embassy in Addis Ababa, criticizing the absence of a new ambassador and the lack of follow-up or assistance following the attack.
After the initial attack, refugees said there was no response from the Sudanese embassy in Addis Ababa, a sentiment that has only grown as Ethiopian militias continue to engage in violence and kidnappings.
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