Ethiopia Warns Refugee from Leaving Camps, Joining Tigray

Today, the Ethiopian government warned Eritrean refugees in the Tigray region not to leave their camps and take refuge in the capital, Addis Ababa.

A statement issued by the Ethiopian Emergency Committee stated that the government is warning Eritrean refugees in the camps of Mai Aini, Adi Harush not to leave their camps due to false information about the law enforcement operation in Tigray region.

The statement also clarified that a large number of Eritrean refugees are moving irregularly from their camps towards the capital, Addis Ababa, after erroneous information about the law enforcement operation carried out by the federal government in Tigray.

Moreover, it warned that such unorganized movements of refugees who are highly dependent on aid will create difficulties in ensuring their safety, security and dignity, and providing them with protection and coordinated assistance.

It continued that, since the government prioritises the humanitarian aid, the refugees had been kept in a dignified manner, and they are being sheltered and cared for by the government in their camps in Tigray Province.

Furthermore, it clarified that the Ethiopian government is working restlessly to restore normal life in various regions in Tigray and provide the necessary services for the refugees' life.

It also pointed out that the various regions of the Tigray region became safe under the control of the federal government, saying that the government began to return refugees who left their camps to obtain the necessary aid for them to live legally and peacefully with the communities that host them.

The Ethiopian government is currently protecting about one million refugees, most of whom are from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan, including 200,000 Eritreans who are being hosted in 26 camps and sites outside the camps.

The majority of refugees in Ethiopia live in camps where adequate protection and social services are provided to them, including food and non-food items, water, health care, education and other facilities.