Over 10,000 Eritreans have crossed into Ethiopia since border reopening –NRC

FILE PHOTO: Families separated by borders between Ethiopia and Eritrea are now re-uniting after years of separation.

By Fauxile Kibet

Thousands of families separated for years have been reunited after the re-opening of the Ethiopia – Eritrea border following the recent peace deal between the two countries which had been foes for decades.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said that families enjoyed tearful reunions as migrants seek new lives. More than 10, 000 people have crossed into Ethiopia since 11 September.

“We’re seeing the fruits of peace one month on from the historic border reopening. Families previously divided by up to 20 years from the conflict, are celebrating joyful reunions. Trade is increasing in the border towns, as more people cross the border every day,” said Stine Paus, Country Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ethiopia.

The humanitarian organization says that some Eritreans crossing into Ethiopia have not seen relatives in over two decades and that eighty-three per cent of Eritrean arrivals said they had crossed so they could reunite with family members.

“I hugged and kissed them again and again. I was crying so much, I could not control my happiness. Thank God, I don’t have the words to express my happiness. I’m very happy, and I’m enjoying the time with my large family,” said Haregu, a housewife from Gash Barka in Eritrea. After 10 years of separation, she and her husband reunited with their three children and extended family in the Mai Aini refugee camp.

BOOMING BUSINESS

Meanwhile, NRC reported that traffic is also flowing the other direction into Eritrea, as the long-closed border has reopened to commerce. Business is booming for Ethiopian traders and Eritrean visitors, as many vehicles loaded with goods are crossing the border headed for the capital, Asmara.

The border officially reopened on 11 September, with border crossing points at Zalambesa and Rama.

The organization further says that the arrival rate from Eritrea has risen sharply, from 53 to 390 people per day and that most arriving families wish to remain in Ethiopia with relatives that preceded them, or plan to reunite with family in Europe, or other countries.

While the border is open for free movement in both directions, the Ethiopian government agency ARRA continues to accept and register those that seek asylum as refugees, with more expected in the coming weeks.

Due to the increase in asylum seekers, reception centres have become crowded as arrival numbers have increased. More aid is needed for shelter, food and clean water for the reception centres, and the refugee camps that will accommodate them.