Mekelle, Tigray – A peaceful three-day demonstration kicked off today in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, calling for the urgent return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.
Organized under the slogan “Yak’el” (Enough is Enough), the protest is spearheaded by the Tsilal Western Tigray Civil Society. Held at Romanat Square, the demonstration aims to shed light on the dire conditions faced by IDPs and advocate for their right to return.
Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans such as “Return us to our homes,” “Give attention to IDPs in Sudan,” and “Living in tents is enough.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Tsegay Tetemke, leader of Tsilal Western Tigray Civil Society, expressed frustration at the lack of progress despite the Pretoria Peace Agreement.
“The camp life has pushed people to the brink, with deaths caused by hunger and the absence of aid,” he stated. Tsegay emphasized the need for immediate action, urging leaders to prioritize the implementation of the agreement over political conflicts.
Participants echoed these sentiments, highlighting the harsh realities of displacement.
Heartbreaking Testimonies
Kidan Girmay, an IDP and mother, shared her tragic story of loss and survival. “My son went missing during the war, and I’m left struggling to live. We face hunger, illness, and neglect. We urge the government and international community to end this suffering and facilitate our return,” she said.
Another protester, Masho Gebreegziabeher, recounted losing her husband and enduring severe hardships in the camps. “We haven’t changed our clothes for years, and many of us are dying from hunger and lack of medical care. This is the worst suffering we’ve ever faced,” she lamented.
Coordinators Demand Implementation of Peace Agreement
Demonstration coordinator Daniel Negash stressed the importance of the international community and the federal government honoring the Pretoria Peace Agreement. “This protest aims to pressure all stakeholders to ensure the immediate return of IDPs to their homes,” he said.
Alarming Humanitarian Crisis
Recent reports indicate an escalating humanitarian crisis among IDPs in Tigray. According to Wolay Berhe, a coordinator for IDPs in Shire, nearly 300 individuals at the Hintsad center have died in the past three months due to starvation and inadequate medical care.
The demonstration serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for intervention to end the suffering of Tigray’s displaced population.
