Sudanese refugees in Niger are calling for urgent international assistance as they face severe hardships and escalating violence in shelter camps, according to testimonies shared with Dabanga this week.
Khalil Obeid, a refugee, detailed his harrowing journey from Sudan’s conflict zones to Libya, where he sought safety before moving to Tunisia in search of work. In Tunisia, refugees were arrested on accusations of planning irregular migration to Europe and later deported to Algeria. Humanitarian organisations eventually transferred Khalil and others to a shelter camp in Agadez, Niger.
Grim Conditions in Camps
“Life here is miserable,” Khalil said, describing the dire conditions in the camp. Refugees are reportedly treated like prisoners, denied basic rights, and subjected to abuse by camp staff. Administrative inefficiencies have caused delays in legal processes and the loss of vital documents.
Health services in the camp are insufficient, leading to the spread of disease, while inadequate nutrition worsens the crisis. Peaceful protests by refugees demanding better conditions have been met with violent crackdowns.
Protest Suppression and Violence
Ahmed Adam, a protest leader, narrowly escaped an attack when unknown assailants set his home on fire. He and his children survived, but images obtained by Dabanga show the burned remnants of their house.
In a video plea, Ahmed urged immediate action: “We are being hunted for reasons unknown. This might be my last message. I call for urgent intervention to protect us.”
Khalil echoed this appeal, warning of persistent threats and urging humanitarian organisations to step in: “Save our children, save our women, save us.”
Lack of Accountability
Attempts by Dabanga to contact the organisation managing the camp have gone unanswered, deepening the sense of abandonment felt by the refugees. Without accountability or intervention, they remain trapped in a cycle of neglect, abuse, and fear.
The refugees’ plight highlights the urgent need for international attention and support to address their worsening situation and ensure their safety.
