PROFILE OF THE SOMALI REFUGEES IN EMKULU CAMP ERITREA

he Somali refugees in Emkulu Camp Eritrea are mainly of the Madiban tribe who immigrated to Djibouti region after the down fall of President Siad Barre in 1992. They crossed from Djibouti to Eritrea in 1993 in search of better protection and job opportunities and settled in Assab, the second largest port city of Eritrea. The influx of refugees from Djibouti towards Assab was never-ending and UNHCR established a refugee camp about 20 kms. South of Assab at Harsile Camp. The camp did not last long due to the war that took place between Ethiopia and Eritrea in 1998. Yet again the same refugees were relocated from Harsile Camp to Emkulu Camp. Currently Emkulu Camp hosts over 4000 Somali refugees and even now there are new arrivals each month. The first arrivals have resided in the camp for the last 8 years and have good relationship with the locals in Emkulu district and the vicinity Read more