The tragic loss of innocent Ethiopian lives at the hands of Saudi forces. This devastating and avoidable tragedy has caused immense pain and sorrow to countless families who have had to endure the untimely loss of their loved ones.
According to a report from Human Rights Watch, Saudi security forces have been involved in the killing of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers along the Yemeni border. The report suggests that these killings, characterized by close-range shootings and the use of explosive weapons, could potentially be classified as crimes against humanity. The organization based its findings on interviews with witnesses, as well as an analysis of evidence such as photos, videos, and satellite imagery dating back to 2021.
“If committed as part of a Saudi government policy to murder migrants, these killings would be a crime against humanity,” Human Rights Watch said.
The recently released report raises serious allegations against Saudi forces, particularly border guards and specialized units, regarding the killing of numerous Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers. These incidents are said to have occurred over the past few years and involved torture, rape, and other forms of inhumane treatment inflicted upon survivors and detainees. It is mentioned that the Saudi Foreign Ministry did not offer any response when approached for comment, and several Saudi institutions, including the Interior Ministry and Human Rights Commission, did not reply to correspondence from Human Rights Watch.
Additionally, the airstrikes carried out by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen have faced accusations of being war crimes, with the support of the United States playing a significant role in these operations. The United States has long considered Saudi Arabia an important partner and has provided assistance in training their security forces, including the border guard.
These alleged human rights abuses take place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and crises in both Yemen and Ethiopia. These issues have led to increased migration from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. In Ethiopia’s Tigray region, violent conflict erupted in 2020 between government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, a former ruling party.
As of 2022, the United Nations reports that over 24 million people in Ethiopia have been impacted by conflicts, drought, and hunger, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis. Within this context, a large number of Ethiopians, facing war, famine, and persecution, have been forced to flee their homeland. These individuals now constitute more than 90 percent of migrants taking the hazardous “Eastern Route” to Saudi Arabia. This dangerous journey begins in the Horn of Africa, involves crossing the treacherous Gulf of Aden, and navigating through war-torn Yemen, ultimately leading to the rugged mountains of Saudi Arabia’s Jizan province.
According to the International Organization for Migration, approximately 750,000 Ethiopians currently reside in Saudi Arabia, with the majority having entered the country through irregular channels.
Both Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen, which controls the northern Saada province bordering Saudi Arabia, have faced allegations of subjecting migrants to harsh living conditions and exposing them to various forms of mistreatment.
In the midst of a wider unstable situation, a recent report by a rights group highlights a concerning increase in violence against Ethiopians at the border. The report recounts horrific stories shared by interviewees, including horrifying accounts of ruthless smugglers, gruesome scenes of corpses, and devastating mortar and rocket attacks that resulted in dismembered and dying migrants along the migration trail.
One particularly heart-wrenching account from the report comes from a 14-year-old girl named Hamdiya. She bravely shared her experience of crossing the border in a group of 60 individuals back in February. She vividly recalls witnessing unimaginable violence, saying, “I saw people killed in a way I have never imagined. I saw 30 killed people on the spot.”
Following the mass killing, Hamdiya sought shelter under a rock and tried to find some respite in sleep. However, as she lay there, she soon realized that what she thought were people sleeping nearby were in fact lifeless bodies. The gravity of the situation hit her, and she was surrounded by the tragic aftermath of the violence she had witnessed.
CONCLUSION
These firsthand stories shed light on the immense dangers faced by Ethiopians seeking safety and a better future. The situation at the border remains an urgent concern, as the violence continues to impact the lives of vulnerable migrants. Despite efforts towards resolving conflicts, the situation remains volatile and poses immense challenges for those seeking refuge and safety.
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