Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic report taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic - Displaced People in Jara Protest
February 9, 2024
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) displaced from Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz Regions taking refuge in Jara shelter in North Wollo Zone of Amhara Region held peaceful protests after not receiving food (grain) assistance. The Zonal Emergency Prevention and Food Security Office stated the assistance would be delivered within 10 days. According to victims who spoke to DW, it has been more than two months since IDPs received food assistance which has led to hunger and suffering. These IDPs were displaced over the last four years from Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz Regions to Jara shelter in North Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, due to conflict.
For this reason, they held a protest calling for “the government and the public should know what's happening (our problem).” One IDP from among them said, “it has been more than two months since we stopped receiving assistance and despite repeatedly raising the issue to officials from the Zonal Emergency Prevention and Food Security Office we have not received a response.” Another source from the camp said, “there are people so stricken by hunger that they can no longer get up from where they were sleeping, they are suffering from hunger.” For this reason they came out to protest for the attention of relevant authorities.
Though Government officials were not present in the area, they held a protest in hopes that the office that deals with hunger emergencies could provide the necessary assistance.
The North Wollo Zone Amhara Region Emergency Prevention and Food Security Office Coordinator Ato Alemu Yimer commented on the matter saying IDPs carried out protests, closed roads and stated the conduct was inappropriate. He said at this time the opportunity for understanding with IDPs was available, and IDPs had returned to their camp. Ato Alemu acknowledged provision of assistance was delayed and that talks were underway between regional and federal Emergency Prevention and Food Security officials and had hope that it would be delivered within the coming 10 days. Despite repeated efforts to contact the Amhara Region Emergency Prevention and Food Security and Coordinating Commission head there was no answer.
Alemnew Mekonnen
Yohannes Gebreegziabher
Shewaye Legesse
