The Hidden Struggles of Ethiopia's IDP Camps

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In a quiet IDP camp near Debre Birhan, Yimam Seid, 24, reflects on the life he once dreamt of but now seems impossibly out of reach. Born in Tole Kela, a village in Oromia’s East Wollega Zone, Yimam’s family had relocated there decades ago to escape the famine in Wello. Today, his life tells a harrowing story of survival and displacement.

Yimam was a student with aspirations to improve his family’s future through education. But his dreams were shattered four years ago when his village fell victim to violence. Yimam’s community was attacked, leaving over 1,500 people dead in a single day. Among the victims were his friends and family, and he has not seen his father since.

Surviving the attack came at a high cost for Yimam, who was left mutilated after the attackers chopped off his arm. “I was left for dead,” he recalls. After days of unconsciousness, he was rescued and taken for medical treatment. Fearing for his life, Yimam eventually fled to Debre Birhan, where he now lives in the Bakello IDP camp.

image source: VOA

Life in Limbo: The Harsh Realities of Camp Living

Bakello, one of three IDP camps near Debre Birhan, houses over 7,000 displaced individuals. Together, these camps shelter nearly 23,000 people, all with stories of loss and despair. The camps lack basic amenities such as schools and consistent humanitarian aid. Children, many orphaned by violence, roam the camp, while the elderly endure their struggles in silence.

Abebech, a mother of four in Bakello, shares her own story of survival. Originally from Dano Woreda, her life was turned upside down when violence struck her community. Abebech was kidnapped, beaten, and subjected to unimaginable atrocities. Though her family paid a ransom for her release, the physical and emotional scars remain. Now, in the camp, she struggles to provide for her children due to her injuries.

The Uncertainty of Home: IDPs and the Promise of Return

While the camps offer some semblance of safety, even that is under threat. Government officials have ordered IDPs to leave, claiming it is safe to return to their homes. Many displaced individuals, however, doubt these assurances. Attempts to return have been met with continued violence, leaving IDPs wary of leaving the camps.

Reports of covert support for armed groups and allegations of government complicity have only deepened the mistrust. Many IDPs believe their displacement was orchestrated, driven by a desire to seize their land and property.

A Call for Urgent Action: Addressing the Crisis of Displacement

The plight of Ethiopia’s displaced remains a grim reminder of the ongoing ethnic and political tensions in the region. As humanitarian aid dwindles and eviction threats loom, thousands of lives hang in the balance. Without coordinated efforts to address the root causes of displacement and provide sustainable solutions, these individuals face an uncertain and precarious future.

This blog post serves as a call to action for both local and international communities to recognize the urgency of the situation and extend their support to those in need.

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