More than 60,000 people cross into Ethiopia from conflict-hit Sudan: IOM

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2023 (FBC) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Wednesday that some 60,046 people have fled the conflict in Sudan into neighboring Ethiopia.

The UN migration agency, in its latest situation update issued Friday, said as of Tuesday, more than 60,000 people have arrived in Ethiopia through multiple border crossing points in Amhara, Benishangul Gumz and Gambella Regions.

It said the armed conflict in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee to neighboring countries.

Figures from IOM show that from the total of 60,046 people who have crossed into Ethiopia, 30,606 are Ethiopian nationals, 15,541 Sudanese while the remaining 13,899 are third country nationals.

IOM said it has scaled up presence at border crossing points and its migration response center in Metema, providing multi-sectoral assistance to arriving people, including health, water and sanitation, mental health and psychosocial support, onward transportation and tailored protection assistance.

It, however, expressed its concerns regarding gaps associated with onward transportation, inadequate access to life-saving services including food, non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as health.

IOM further said heavy rains have made the conditions and terrains very difficult for aid workers to provide timely support. It said protection services are a major concern.

Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the capital city of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.