Internally displaced people (IDPs) in western Oromia are facing a dire food and shelter crisis after being forcibly returned to their homes. Since May 2023, IDPs in East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelam Wollega, and Horroo Guduru Wollega zones have been forced to abandon their shelters, resulting in a vulnerable situation marked by food shortages and health concerns.
Reports indicate that many IDPs in western Oromia who were compelled to leave their homes are now living in precarious conditions. Some have sought refuge in other parts of Oromia, while a small percentage find themselves homeless on the streets. Biyansa Deso, an aid worker for the local NGO Akimoon Development Initiative, reveals that the displaced individuals were initially supported by the army to return to their hometowns. However, they fled their homes out of fear for their lives once the army left. The ongoing instability and violence between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and government forces in various parts of Oromia further exacerbate the situation.
Getu Saketa, head of the Gender and Human Rights Branch of the Gurmuu Development Association, discloses that some displaced individuals have sought refuge with relatives in other parts of the Oromia region. However, this has created a strain on available resources, particularly in terms of food scarcity, as many IDPs heavily rely on only a few relatives for support.
The displaced people in the Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, who have settled in the bus terminal, the Wollega University campus-Shambu branch, and the football field in Shambu city, as well as those in various camps in the East Wollega zone, also face significant challenges. A recent assessment conducted by a humanitarian organization reveals that there are 753,674 displaced people in East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelam Wollega, and Horroo Guduru Wollega zones alone who are in urgent need of assistance. This assessment indicates the presence of 141 camps spread across 11 zones and 96 districts in the Oromia region, accommodating 1.4 million internally displaced people.
The majority of these areas affected by displacements and clashes are located in the western part of Oromia, with ongoing conflicts between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and federal government forces. The assessment also highlights that out of the total IDPs in Oromia, 1.2 million individuals urgently require emergency food aid.
This situation is a cause for concern as IDPs in western Oromia are confronted with a pressing food shortage and a lack of proper shelter. The displacement crisis, coupled with the prevailing insecurity due to ongoing clashes, puts the welfare and well-being of these vulnerable individuals at great risk. Immediate action and assistance are necessary to address their urgent needs and alleviate their suffering.
