As a result of the conflict between the Sudanese army and the emergency support forces in Khartoum and other areas since the seventh of April last month, 25.7 million people have become urgent humanitarian aid seekers. At least 843,130 people have been displaced in Sudan, and about 259,000 people have fled to neighboring countries.
Since the beginning of the conflict, 700 to 800 people have been crossing the border of Sudan to the city of Metema, which connects Ethiopia and Sudan. Ismail Hussain, one of the refugees interviewed by CCTV, a Chinese central television station, said that before the conflict started, he and his pregnant wife lived in Khartoum, saying that the instability forced them to leave their home.
“It took us many days to get here. There are checkpoints along the way. After reaching the Ethiopian border, we were sent to Al Qadrif for another round of security checks; Ismail explained that it was very difficult for him and his pregnant wife to reach Metema and he had to start life from scratch because he lost everything he had in Sudan.
Ethiopians who were working in Sudan returned to their homeland because they had no other option to ensure their safety. One of them is Nebsu Mohamed Nur, who lived in exile in Sudan. According to Abibatu Wen-Fol, the chief executive officer of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ethiopia, refugees fleeing Sudan and entering Ethiopia need urgent basic assistance, but they are not getting enough support.
“The amount of aid needed is enormous. There are people who have reached here after a long journey. People in dire straits, in need of shelter, food, transport, water and sanitation support, are still arriving. Although they need these services, the help is not there; said Wen-Fall.
21-year-old Sarawein Idris Ale has just arrived in Metema. She lost her family, friends, neighbors, and home. “I wish you peace and safety. I don’t want to hear gunshots.” Adris said, “I wish I could forget my fear and continue my studies.” I wish you health and food. I want to live.” While she is, she says that she only has a wish to change now.
Residents told Reuters that the Sudanese army carried out airstrikes in the capital, Khartoum, yesterday. The army carried out the attack, hours before the one-week ceasefire agreement was implemented. According to the World Health Organization, 705 people have died in the conflict and at least 5,287 have been injured.