Inter-ethnic conflict and violence continue to lead to large scale displacement in Ethiopia. In a report that was released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicated that the number of people internally displaced has continued to grow and the figure has increased from two million to 2.33 million people displaced. Ethnic Violence is said to be the major cause for the displacement. These conflicts have caused some 1.4 million Ethiopians to leave their homes since the start of the year. The Gedeo and West Guji region in southern Ethiopia and the Oromia-Somali border region are parts of the country with a high displacement rate.
While presenting the nine-month performance report to the House of People’s Representatives (Parliament) on Tuesday, Minister of Peace, Muferiat Kamil said that the Ethiopian government is working to bring about peace and security in the regions. In her report, she disclosed that political leadership and security officials who are responsible for displacements of individuals and violation of rights will face the full forces of law. Minister of Peace, Muferiyat also briefed members of the parliament on works regarding the distribution of food and non-food assistance to displaced communities.
Reports show that there are 600 sites for internally displaced people in Ethiopia. But the situation there is dire. The camps are overcrowded and in extremely poor condition. The displaced are not willing to go back to their homes due to reports of insecurity, threats of violence and a lack of support. And the situation in the camps has dramatically deteriorated with time.
