Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – (African Boulevard News) – Thousands of people displaced by the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region staged protests on Tuesday, demanding to be allowed to return home. An estimated 2.2 million people were forced to flee their homes after fighting broke out in Tigray in November 2020, displacing thousands of families in the region. While people have been returning home gradually, thousands still remain in camps and other displacement centers across the country.
The protests come after the Ethiopian government announced in early May that it would close most of the camps for displaced people and return them to their home communities. However, these plans have been met with resistance as many people fear returning to their homes as it remains unclear if the security situation in the region is stable.
“The government’s plan to close the displacement camps and return people home is unacceptable. We need assurances that our homes and communities are safe before we can return,” said one protestor.
These fears were further heightened after a recent attack on civilians in the Tigray region, which left more than 50 people dead and many more injured. The United Nations has called for an investigation into the attack, which took place in a village in Tigray.
“The recent attack is a reminder that the situation in Tigray remains volatile and that people’s safety cannot be guaranteed,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations.
The protests highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Tigray, which has been ravaged by the conflict for more than six months. While international aid organizations have been working to provide assistance to those affected by the crisis, many people remain in need of basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.
“The situation in Tigray is dire, and there is an urgent need for more assistance to be provided to those affected by the conflict,” said one aid worker.
Despite the challenges, there is some hope that progress is being made towards resolving the crisis. The Ethiopian government recently released a statement indicating that it is willing to work with the international community to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Tigray.
“As we move forward, we are committed to working with our partners to address the humanitarian crisis in Tigray and to ensure that those affected by the conflict are able to return home safely and with dignity,” the statement read.
In conclusion, the protests by displaced Tigrayans demanding to be allowed to return home underscores the challenges facing Ethiopia as it seeks to resolve the crisis in Tigray. While progress has been made towards finding a lasting solution, much more needs to be done to ensure that those affected by the conflict are provided with the assistance they need.
