Refugees fleeing Sudan war flock to Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - Some 22,600 people from 64 different nationalities have arrived in Ethiopia after fleeing the war in Sudan since 21 April, humanitarian agencies said Friday.

Between 21 April and 16 May, some 22,600 people from more than 64 nationalities arrived at the Metema Point of Entry (PoE) in Ethiopia's Amhara Region.

On 17 May, about 800 people arrived in Metema, of which 68% were Ethiopian nationals, while in Kurmuk PoE in Benishangul Gumuz Region, 148 arrivals were recorded between 11 to 17 May.

There are reports that the 955 returnee households who had crossed to Ethiopia at the Mensa Almahal entry point in Guba Woreda of Benishangul Gumuz, have returned to various regions within the district.

However, Guba, a settlement in Metekel Zone in Tigray, a region still settling from a two-year long war, the situation remains inaccessible due to insecurity in the area.

In response to the refugee crisis, a United Nations inter-agency regional refugee response appeal has been launched to support countries hosting refugees, returnees and Third Country Nationals, the UN agencies said.

The agencies have sought US$87.6 million to enable Ethiopia, the temporary host country to those fleeing the fighting, to stay in temporary camps.

A six-month regional response plan has been issued by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to respond to impact on mixed migration as a result of the Sudan situation in the region.

The IOM has also requested US$25 million for Ethiopia.

As of 12 May, over 3,0001 people have sought international protection in Ethiopia, with the majority having crossed through Metema and Kurmuk PoEs.

It is projected that some 85,0002 persons in need of international protection and refugee returnees will enter Ethiopia, with humanitarian needs forecast to rise steeply in such a scenario.

-0- PANA AO/MA 19May2023