Forced Migration and Resilience in the EHAGL Region
Resource Caravans and Passageways of Adult Urban Refugees in Addis Ababa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57947/qrp.v62i3.78Abstract
The paper presents the plight of cross-border displacement in the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes (EHAGL) region by exploring the resilience experience of adult refugees living in Addis Ababa. The study is based on resource caravans and passageways principles of the COR theory and defining resilience as a process of harnessing resources to sustain well-being. The study followed a qualitative research approach and primary data were collected from in-depth interviews and focused group discussions (FGDs) with urban refugees, Key Information Interviews (KIIs) with humanitarian professionals, participant observation of neighbourhoods and refugee organizations. Primary data were triangulated by review of relevant documents. The collected data were analysed thematically using the framework method. Results of the study indicate that refugees left their countries to escape state repression and conflict. While transiting, refugees cited insecurity, political instability, conflict, family separation and deportation as the reasons behind their move to Ethiopia. Forced military recruitment and repatriation, extortion, discrimination, fear of attack and cost of living are additional resource loss factors. Migration from refugee camps in different parts of Ethiopia to Addis Ababa was driven by intrastate conflict, inter-communal violence, poor living conditions in and around the camps and the perceived opportunities and resources of the city. Albeit the well-being of refugees in the city is influenced by a range of resources, diaspora support, particularly among Eritrean refugees, is the most consequential resource mobilized by the refugees to build their resilience. This has turned the city into a passageway of refugee resilience and emigration. Yet, efforts to build refugee resilience in the city are challenged by a number of barriers such as the difficulty of obtaining work licenses and permits, organizational constraints, language barriers, and refugee misconceptions. Addressing severe resource loss factors of resilience and well-being in origin, transit and destination countries of the EHAGL region is sine qua non to prevent and manage the scourge of forced migration in the region.
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