More Ethiopia refugees arrive from Benishangul-Gumuz region

May 15, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – A fresh wave of Ethiopian refugees has arrived in the eastern Sudan state of Gadaref following the surge of intercommunal fighting between the Gumuz and the Amhara ethnic groups.

Sudanese officials in the Basinda area of Gadaref said dozens of Gumuz arrived in the area following bloody clashes in the Tamat area of the Benishangul-Gumuz region which borders Sudan.

“Some 82 Gumuz people have crossed the Sudanese border including 54 children and 8 women,” said the official.

The refugees claim that the Amhara militiamen killed hundreds during the new attacks by the Amhara militiamen.

Last February, Blue Nile State authorities said 3052 refugees arrived in the Sudanese south-eastern state after the clashes in the Benishangul-Gumuz region.

The settlement of more Amhara in the multi-ethnic region of Benishangul-Gumuz prompted some Gumuz to say that their fertile lands have been taken by the new internal migrants.

Protests in Al-Tanideba camp

Ethiopian refugees in Al-Tanideba camp in the state of Gadaref on Saturday protested against the deteriorating health situation following the collapse of shelters and toilets.

Violent rains accompanied by strong winds on Friday destroyed more than 1500 shelters and 1256 latrines in the camp.

“Thousands of refugees in Al-Tanideba camp organized protests due to the poor health situation and lack of food,” Eyewitnesses told the Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

(ST)