Sudanese in Ethiopia: Between the Challenges of Displacement and the Obstacles of Returning Home

Sudan Events – Agencies

Two years after the outbreak of war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, thousands of Sudanese displaced persons in Ethiopia live in a complex situation, torn between hopes of returning and fears for the future.

Tens of thousands of Sudanese are estimated to have crossed the border into Ethiopia since the war began, settling in the Benishangul-Gumuz and Amhara regions, as well as in the capital, Addis Ababa.

The displaced face severe shortages in the resources needed for return, such as transportation costs and the ability to rebuild their homes that were destroyed or looted. The absence of direct financial support programs has made returning a deferred dream.

Challenges of Return

Dr. Hashim Ali Hamid, a specialist in Sudanese affairs, told Al Jazeera Net that displaced people in Sudan’s neighboring countries face many challenges, primarily housing, living expenses, and residency costs, in addition to the difficulty of integration due to unfamiliarity with the language and cultures of these host countries.

He added that Sudanese displaced in Ethiopia have spent all their savings on housing, living, and visa fees, which must be renewed monthly, making the idea of returning to liberated areas in Sudan extremely difficult.

Many displaced individuals complain about the absence of a clear mechanism for return, with their attempts hindered by complex border procedures or strict legal requirements regarding residency and administrative violations during their displacement.

Mohammed Hashim Kambal, a displaced person from Khartoum–Al-Hilla Al-Jadida, expressed his wish to return to his country following the Sudanese Armed Forces’ victory. He told Al Jazeera Net that since fleeing to Ethiopia, he has faced great hardship, spending days in mosques and on the streets. He noted that the solidarity among Sudanese helped him meet basic needs.

Ahmed Mohammed Yassin, displaced from Omdurman, said he is waiting for “every inch of Sudan” to be liberated so he can return and live in safety. He told Al Jazeera Net that he pays $100 per month for visa and residency fees to the Ethiopian authorities, in addition to other necessities.

Despite describing Ethiopian society as “open and respectful to all,” he added that the cost of living is high for war-displaced people who left everything behind.

Role of Organizations

Amid these challenges, Sudanese displaced persons place their hopes in the efforts of humanitarian organizations and voluntary agencies working to meet their basic needs or facilitate their return through logistical and financial support.

Attention is also turning toward the possibility of direct and effective coordination between the Ethiopian and Sudanese governments to develop an organized voluntary return plan that ensures the dignity and safety of returnees.

Regarding potential support from international and regional organizations to facilitate voluntary return, Dr. Hamid said some displaced persons have started reaching out to organizations and embassies, hoping to find those who care about them and will work on their voluntary return.

However, this—according to Hamid—requires coordination between both countries to organize safe land returns, especially amid ongoing clashes between the “Fano militia” and government forces in the Amhara region near the Sudanese border.

Saber Adam, a displaced person from Nierteti in North Darfur, described the situation as “painful” for Sudanese everywhere they fled. He said he is suffering greatly and called on international organizations to help return Sudanese to their homeland, especially as they have lost everything and can no longer afford the costs of returning.

Although they have spent a relatively long time in Ethiopia, the legal status of the displaced remains fragile, with many facing difficulties in obtaining residency documents or work permits, affecting their legal and economic conditions.

Caught between the fire of war and the desire to return home, Sudanese displaced in Ethiopia face a difficult equation. Return is no longer a personal decision—it is tied to political, security, and humanitarian entanglements that require an effective international response and high-level regional coordination. Until that happens, the dream of return remains suspended, waiting for someone to rescue it from displacement and diaspora.

Diplomatic Efforts

As the humanitarian crisis continues in Sudan, thousands of Sudanese find themselves stranded in Ethiopia—between the fire of war in their homeland and the burden of costly monthly visas and fees.

The Sudanese embassy in Addis Ababa is making intensive diplomatic efforts to facilitate their voluntary return to safe areas after the Sudanese army regained control over several states.

According to Awad Mirghani Mahmoud, Head of Consular Affairs at the Sudanese Embassy in Ethiopia, between 3,000 and 4,000 Sudanese are stranded in Addis Ababa. Most of them entered through Bole International Airport on tourist visas. He noted the difficulty of accurately counting those who entered through other border crossings, except for those arriving via the mentioned airport.

He told Al Jazeera Net that the embassy has held extensive talks with Ethiopian authorities—especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration and Passport Directorate—demanding the renewal of the visa fee exemption that was in effect from February to September of the previous year. Several parties have been coordinated with to support voluntary return.

He revealed communications with the Ethiopian government about an upcoming visit by an official Sudanese delegation to consult with Ethiopian officials on exempting Sudanese from monthly visa renewal fees.

He explained that 1,500 Sudanese citizens have registered their names on lists of those wishing to return, especially after improved security and the army’s control of the capital and other cities. He noted that the Ethiopian government has responded positively to the initiative.

No Decision Yet

He confirmed that both the embassy and the Sudanese community are making “great efforts,” having recorded those who want to return voluntarily. Many Sudanese have requested to go back home.

Others have appealed to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to ease the return of Sudanese in Ethiopia and cancel the monthly visa fees.

According to the Sudanese Embassy in Addis Ababa, the diplomatic mission had held meetings with Ethiopian authorities and sent memoranda calling for the renewal of the residency fee exemption, which was valid until September 2024. This would enable nearly 4,000 Sudanese displaced persons to return to their homeland. However, despite the ongoing efforts, no official decision has been made yet.