Ethiopian refugees killed as border clashes spill into Sudan camps, official says

August 2, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Projectiles from renewed fighting between the Ethiopian military and Tigray regional forces landed on refugee camps inside Sudan, killing and wounding several Ethiopian refugees, Sudan’s Commission for Refugees said on Sunday.

Clashes broke out along the border on Friday, threatening a fragile peace agreement signed in November 2022 that had ended two years of war between the Ethiopian government and Tigray forces.

The border strip serves as a key transit and reception point for asylum seekers entering Sudan, the commission said, expressing grave concern over ongoing troop mobilizations that could spark new refugee flows and exacerbate humanitarian risks.

Sudan hosts 63,000 Ethiopian refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly in Gedaref and Kassala states along the border.

Ethiopians account for 7% of Sudan’s 885,000 total refugee population, with 19,700 residing in Um Rakuba camp and 14,700 in Tunaydibah camp, both in Gedaref state.

The refugee commission urged the United Nations, international donors, and aid agencies to intervene to ensure refugee protection and deliver urgent humanitarian aid.

Commission officials said they are monitoring conditions alongside international partners to secure basic supplies for affected camp residents.