Political Ramifications and Humanitarian Crises among Sudanese Refugees in Metema, Northwest Ethiopia (1964–91)

This study explores the complexity of refugee management, humanitarian crises, and the political and diplomatic challenges of hosting Sudanese refugees camped at Metema from 1964 to 1991. Despite its potential wealth, Sudan has experienced recurring power struggles, military coups, and humanitarian crises that have displaced civilians from their homes. Thousands of Sudanese Ansar civilians displaced from several localities in North Sudan due to devastating conflicts and power struggles between the Ansar political elites and the government of Jaffar al-Nimeiri camped at the Ethiopian border district of Metema (1964–91). The Ansars, who claimed themselves fellows of Imam al-Mahdi, were devoted militant Muslims determined to militarily remove Nimeiri. However, the countermeasures provoked hostility and displaced civilians. The first Ansar refugees camped at Metema in 1964, but a large-scale and massive influx appeared in 1970 and 1976. In 1970 and 1976, Ansar military officers masterminded attempted coups against the Nimeiri regime. When the coups failed, the loyalist forces of Nimeiri destroyed Aba Island, the power base of the Ansars and took repressive measures against the civilians. Frustrated by repressive state measures, Ansars left for Metema and camped at three separate sites until 1991. Overcoming challenges, Ethiopia provided protection and facilitated humanitarian aid to the Sudanese refugees. In sum, Ethiopia attempted to facilitate peace talks between the refugees and the Sudanese government, aimed at repatriating the refugees. However, hosting refugees affected interstate relations and contributed to the entangled diplomacy between both countries. The researcher produces this article based on a critical analysis of untapped archives of the imperial and Derg periods and contemporary periodical sources kept at the Gondar Archive Center. In addition, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with selected elders in Gendawuha, Kokit, Kumer, and Metema Yohannes.