Amid the devastating Tigray genocidal war from 2020 to 2022, tens of thousands of Tigrayans fled their homeland, seeking refuge in neighboring Sudan. They crossed the border in a desperate bid for safety, only to find themselves caught in the crossfire of another violent conflict. The ongoing war in Sudan, which erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has now reached the regions where these displaced individuals had sought sanctuary.
The Scale of Displacement
The exodus from Tigray was massive, driven by the brutal and indiscriminate genocidal war that plagued the region. Over 60,000 Tigrayans, primarily from the Western Tigray region, fled into Sudan, escaping the atrocities of the genocidal war in their homeland. This massive displacement was marked by harrowing journeys and significant hardship. These refugees have sought refuge in several camps, including Tendua, Um Rakuba, and Hashebau. These camps were intended to provide temporary relief and support but now find themselves perilously close to the ongoing Sudanese war.
The situation is exacerbated by the presence of former Tigrayan UN peacekeepers who had been stationed in Darfur and Abeyie. Their presence adds a layer of complexity to the refugee crisis, as they navigate their own precarious circumstances amidst the broader refugee population.
The Plight of Former UN Peacekeepers
The former UN peacekeeper who reached out to me for assistance had a significant role during his service. He joined the UN mission in Kaduqli, Sudan on October 17, 2020, as a commander-in-chief. His mission involved supporting observers between Sudan and South Sudan, a role crucial to maintaining stability in a volatile region. However, he and his team were faced with a moral dilemma. They chose not to return to Ethiopia, citing their unwillingness to be complicit a genocidal war. This decision led to their grant of refugee status and relocation to Um Gurgur.
Their safety remains in jeopardy as the Sudanese war encroaches on their area. The RSF’s advances have brought the war dangerously close, with Tendua being within 80 kilometers of active combat zones. The RSF has accused Tigray People’s People Front (TPLF) of involvement in attacks, exacerbating the threat to these refugees as TPLF is often conflated with Tigrayans. This accusation has made their situation even more perilous, as the RSF’s hostility towards Tigrayans puts them at severe risk.
Escalating Threats and Injustice
The plight of former Tigrayan UN peacekeepers is further complicated by accusations from the Ethiopian government. They face allegations of treason, which has added to their challenges in Sudan. They are calling for formal declarations to counter these charges and seeking both moral and financial compensation. The former peacekeeper lamented, “The UN has compensated the Ethiopian government for our service, but we have received nothing. Our significant contributions have been overlooked.”
The RSF’s accusations extend to these former peacekeepers, alleging their involvement in attacks against the RSF. This has further intensified their vulnerability in Sudan, where they are also located close to the borders of both Ethiopia and Eritrea. This proximity places them in additional danger. The Pretoria Agreement, signed in November 2022 between the Ethiopian government and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), was intended to address such issues, including the return of refugees. However, the peacekeepers’ request for a declaration from the Ethiopian government has not been met. Neither has relocation through the UNHCR.
Harassment and Human Rights Violations
The former peacekeeper’s experiences illustrate the severe risks faced by Tigrayan refugees. He recounted a distressing incident where he and others were attacked while traveling to Gedaref for supplies. Despite holding all necessary permits, they were brutally assaulted by armed individuals, including members of the Sudanese Armed Forces, police, and security intelligence. They were forcibly taken to a forest, where their human rights were violated, and essential documents were seized. The peacekeeper’s plea for help in their continued stay in Sudan was clear: “We are surrounded 360 degrees. We are going to die.”
This incident highlights the dire situation faced by Tigrayan refugees. The international community’s failure to respond effectively has left them in a precarious situation, with their safety increasingly compromised.
International Response and Calls for Action
The crisis faced by Tigrayan refugees in Sudan has drawn attention from various local and international organizations. Human Rights Watch has reported a significant deterioration in the conditions of these refugees. Human Rights First Ethiopia, distinct from Human Rights First in the United States, has urgently called for their relocation to safer areas, either within Ethiopia or to third countries if necessary. A coalition of thirty Tigrayan Civil Society organizations has issued an urgent call for action to protect these refugees, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. Added to the calls is one by Salsay Weyane Tigray, an opposition party in Tigray.
The Tigray Interim Administration has also advocated for the protection of refugees, stressing the need for secure and dignified repatriation. The Ethiopian government has established a national committee to facilitate the return of its citizens, including those from Sudan. However, bureaucratic obstacles and ongoing security threats complicate the repatriation process. A Tigrayan observer pointed out the challenges: “Tigrayans have been scapegoated by the Ethiopian government and are survivors of ethnic cleansing. Their homes are occupied by the same forces responsible for these atrocities. The international community must act to ensure their safe and voluntary return.”
Recommendations for Immediate Action
Addressing the humanitarian crisis faced by Tigrayan refugees requires a coordinated and immediate response from the international community. Key recommendations include:
1. Prioritize Safe Repatriation: The Federal Government of Ethiopia must prioritize the safe and voluntary repatriation of Tigrayan refugees. This process should ensure that returnees are protected and treated with dignity. The Tigray Interim Regional Administration should collaborate with federal and international bodies to streamline this process, addressing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring a secure return.
2. Ensure Refugee Protection: Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces must avoid targeting refugee camps. Safe zones should be established around these camps to protect civilians from becoming casualties in the ongoing conflict. Humanitarian organizations must be allowed to operate without obstruction, ensuring that aid reaches those in need.
3. Enforce Human Rights Standards: The African Union’s Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (MVCM) should focus on enforcing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, particularly regarding the return of refugees. The international community, including the U.S., E.U., and Canada, should apply diplomatic pressure on all warring parties to uphold international humanitarian laws and protect refugees.
4. Address Arbitrary Detentions: Reports of arbitrary detentions and persecution of Tigrayan refugees must be addressed immediately. The international community should monitor these reports closely, ensuring that individuals are not unlawfully detained or subjected to violence. Accountability for such actions is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and protecting human rights.
5. Support Humanitarian Efforts: Governments, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies must coordinate their efforts to provide necessary support and protection to all refugees, including Tigrayan refugees. This includes addressing their immediate needs, ensuring their safety, and facilitating their relocation or repatriation.
The plight of Tigrayan refugees in Sudan is a pressing humanitarian issue that demands urgent and coordinated action. The international community must unite to address their needs, protect their safety, and provide the necessary support to navigate this perilous situation. Swift and effective responses are essential to prevent further suffering and ensure the safety and dignity of these vulnerable populations.
