Clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and militias in the country's north-west are placing fleeing Sudanese refugees at "grave risk", Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned on Thursday. A government state of emergency in Amhara, home to some 23 million people, expired in June but the unrest has continued, with a large contingent of federal forces deployed in September. "Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia have been targets of abuses for more than a year from various armed actors," HRW's deputy Africa director Laetitia Bader said. "These refugees have fled horrific abuses back home and urgently need protection, not further threats to their lives." Escalating Amhara clashes prompted the closure of Awlala and Kumer camps in July, it added.

Source: Ethiopian News October 17, 2024 21:24 UTC