Ethiopia Access Snapshot - East and West Wellega - Kamashi, Benishangul Gumuz DRAFT As of 30 September 2019 The operational environment in the sub-re- Despite Government’s peace and reconciliation efforts, Sherkole gion remains marked by the standoff between some tensions between Gumuz and Oromo communities the security forces and unidentified armed remain, for instance in areas of return such as Agelometi, groups (UAGs), impacting relief operations to Yaso, and Kamashi. Cases of cattle rustling by youth also returnees and IDPs. Metekel continue in both sides. Returned IDPs from Oromia report- Menge Asosa During the reporting period, a decrease in the number of ed that movement out of their former villages, including to security-related incidents reported by partners was regis- Oda Bilidigilu their farm land, was prevented by local authorities for fear Asosa tered, which could be attributed to increased military Sedal of violence. In Agelometi, the communal houses where the Ibantu IDP returnees had sheltered were reportedly attacked by presence as well as the impact on road movements by the Yaso rainy season. the host community the same day they returned, and had to be protected by the EDF. There have also been reports of Haro Limu Gida Ayana While official data from Kamashi indicates that all the IDPs household heads being robbed by Gumuz youth in Mendi Town people displaced by violence in 2018 have returned home, Limu their way back from Kamashi to West Wellega. some remain technically displaced, particularly those who Agelo Meti Kamashi lived in rural areas and who are now living in woreda centers Mana Sibu Kiltu Kara East Wellega Partners have strived to move operations from the Welle- Leta Sibu gas to Kamashi, the UN hub covering the sub-region is now as well as some 20,000 people who were re-displaced in Nedjo Kamashi July to East (5,750) and West Wellega (14,250). The majori- operational in Nekemte, and sectoral coordination in place Nedjo Town ty of those are women and children who originated from Belo Jeganfoy in Kamashi. This notwithstanding, there remain huge Babo Jarso Gudetu Kondole immediate and recovery needs, including significant gaps Kamashi’s Yaso, Agalometi, and Sedal woredas, and noted West Wellega Boji Dermiji insecurity, lack of assistance in areas of return and limited in basic services. Kamashi town has no electricity since Guliso access to former houses and land as the main reasons for Boji chekorsa 2018, access to health is seriously compromised in Belo Sasiga Guto Gida Jeganfoy and Agelometi, and there is no hospital nor ambu- their new displacement. While authorities continue to deny Lalo Asabi Kelem Wellega Gimbi recognition of such caseload as IDPs, by mid-August they Ayira Gimbi Town lance service. Education-wise, only 19,000 children (out of Nekemete Town 45,000) enrolled in the 2019/ 2020 school year, and 11 authorited the delivery of some limited assistance following Homa Diga a joint evaluation in Nedjo and Kiltu Kara. This notwithstand- Gaji school facilities destroyed remain dysfunctional. IDP return operation Yubdo Haru Wayu Tuki ing, their situation remains critical, reportedly that the last (May -Jun 2019) Leka Dalacha Food security prospects for 2020 are a serious concern time they received food was in April. IDP returning to area of displacement (Jun -Jul 2019) Sayo Nole due the lack of sustained quality food assistance, depletion Nole Kaba Buno In West Wellega, in August, fighting between security forces Inaccessible Bedele of food stocks in host communities, destruction of crops Jimma Arjo Nunu Kumba and UAG was reported in Kondale woreda, Kelem Wollega Partially accessible during conflict, absence of agricultural inputs, and price zone, while the road from Addis to Nekemte was blocked Accessible Ilu Aba Bora increases of key stables such as maize or teff. The around Guder town due to youth protest against the arrest situation could prompt an increase in malnutrition rates. of suspected UAG members. In September, heavy fighting 67,439 (1) 86,042 (1) 3,245 (1) took place in Kiltu Kara and Guliso woredas. In addition, Since July, vast areas became inaccessible due to rains IDPs returned to IDPs returned to IDPs not returned to and the poor condition of roads, particularly in rural areas. severe incidents were reported in Gimbi and Mandi towns, Kemashi zone East Wellega zone thier home from The roads between Kamashi – Agelometi – Sedal – Assosa Mana Sibu woreda as well as in Bila, Chalia and Gulisso West Wellega zone road and Nedjo – Kamashi were affected, impacting aid districts, all prompting an unspecified number of casualties. (1) (1) 27,830 29,289 20,000 operations. While hostilities did not target aid organizations, there IDPs returned to IDPs returned to IDPs returned back remains a heighten risk for aid workers to be caught in Asosa zone West Wellega zone. to East & West cross-fire. Movement restrictions due to insecurity remain Wellega zone from in rural areas such as Boji Dremeji woreda. Kamashi Zone (1) Return data are from Disaster Risk Management Office, Oct 2019. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Creation date: 14 Oct 2019 Sources: Disaster Risk Management Office Feedback: [email protected] www.unocha.org/ethiopia www.reliefweb.int/country/eth.