Donors visit the displaced in Gedeo and West Guji Zones of Ethiopia

Kera camp in Gedeo zone is one of the most populated hosting over 7,300 IDPs. Photo: WFP/Melese Awoke

Renewed inter-communal violence along the borders of Gedeo zone in the Southern Region and West Guji zone of Oromia region was reported early June 2018. The conflict has caused the displacement of tens of thousands of people in the region. WFP has been tasked with providing food assistance for those sheltered in various camps.

IDPS started arriving at this site five months ago and they may stay for a few more months if the security situation does not improve and would not be conducive for them to go back home.

The IDPs are currently sheltered in temporary camps scattered across Bule, Dilla Zuria, Gedeb, Kochere, Wonago, Yirgachefe districts and Dilla town. Similarly, IDPs in West Guji are also camped in Abaya, Birbirsa Kojowa, Bule Hora, Gelana, Hambela Wamena and Kercha woredas.

The IDPs are currently sheltered in temporary camps scattered across several sites located West Guji and Gedeo zones of Southern Region (SNNPR). Photo: WFP/Melese Awoke

The displaced people have mostly settled within host communities already food insecure or residing in cramped public buildings without adequate food and water, and substandard sanitation and hygiene facilities.

Recently a donor mission from seven countries (ie. Denmark, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, , USA) visited the IDP sites in Bule Hora and Kera sites and have had discussions with the IDPs in the camps they are sheltered.

A donor mission from seven countries (ie. Denmark, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, UK, , USA) visited the IDP sites in Bule Hora and Kera sites. Photo: WFP/Melese Awoke

WFP is committed to make regular deliveries at least until the displaced get back to their original places and this is only possible when donors make the resources available for its operation and to help WFP purchase food to continue its food assistance.

Most of the IDPs, including children, are sleeping on the cold floors of the public buildings for lack of mattress and blankets, exposing them to pneumonia.

WFP’s storage facility in Dilla is being used by CARE, IOM, International Rescue Committee (IRC), MEDICINS Sans Frontier (MSF-Holland), OXFAM, Save the Children (SCF), UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO, , and the Ethiopian Government’s National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) and Zonal Administration and Health Office.

The newly established WFP office in Dilla town includes also iwarehouses that are being used by NGOs and UN agencies operating in the area to alleviate the crisis. Photo: WFP/Melese Awoke

The number of IDPs in this Kera IDP site alone is reportedly over 7,300. However, unaccounted IDPs are also integrated with relatives and other host communities outside the IDP sites.

Donors have had discussions with the IDPs during their visit to IDP sites. Photo: WFP/Melese Awoke

More than six UN Agencies and several international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are actively involved in responding to the crisis in the region.