Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-21 01:34:00
Reports from Ghana have painted a grim picture for thousands of Liberian refugees who sought shelter in the country during the civil war in Liberia in the 1990s. The Budumbura refugee camp in Ghana was unexpectedly demolished on February 28, 2024, leaving over 11,000 Liberians stranded without shelter or food. The situation has turned unbearable for the refugees, who are now being forced to leave the camp and are facing physical assault by unknown Ghanaian authorities.
Life in Budumburam has become a nightmare for the Liberian refugees, with many of them resorting to seeking refuge in schools and on the streets. They are expressing frustration over the lack of support from both Ghanaian and Liberian authorities, as they struggle to survive in dire conditions. Mr. Gwion Dennis, a spokesperson for the refugees, has highlighted the maltreatment they have faced since the demolition of their homes, criticizing the lack of response from the Liberian government.
The demolition of the camp was carried out by unidentified individuals, reportedly accompanied by Traditional Chiefs of the Fetteh Council. The refugees narrate harrowing accounts of violence, with women and children being assaulted and stripped of their dignity. Despite their pleas for help, the refugees feel abandoned by their own government, as they endure extreme hardship and suffering.
Efforts to contact the Liberian Embassy in Ghana and the Liberian Refugees, Repatriation & Resettlement Commission have proved futile, leaving the refugees without any hope of assistance. The Ghanaian government has denied involvement in the demolition, leading to suspicions that hidden agendas may be at play. The refugees believe that they are being targeted and mistreated by both Ghanaian and Liberian authorities.
The Budumburam camp has been a temporary home to thousands of Liberian refugees since the 1990s, but plans to close it down have been in motion for years. While some refugees have been repatriated to Liberia, many remain in Ghana without any official status. The Liberian government had initiated efforts to repatriate some refugees in the past, but the transition of power halted the process, leaving many in limbo.
The Liberian Refugees Repatriation & Resettlement Commission is now working to find a solution to the crisis in Ghana. Despite the challenges faced by the refugees, hope remains that a resolution can be reached to alleviate their suffering. The plight of the Liberian refugees in Budumburam serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by displaced populations around the world.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
