Ethiopian Refugees Face Death Threats and Forced Expulsion from Kenya's Mandera Region
Mandera, 25 January 2026
Approximately 10,000 Ethiopian refugees living in Mandera, Kenya, are fleeing after receiving ultimatums threatening death if they don’t leave by specific deadlines. The crisis escalated following the killing of an Ethiopian man in late January 2026, sparking a ‘get out’ campaign targeting the community. Many refugees, who have established businesses including hotels and motorcycle taxis over eight years, report police harassment and extortion whilst seeking help. Local tensions centre on accusations that Ethiopians are taking over economic opportunities, with community elders citing security concerns. Ethiopian diplomatic officials acknowledge the recurring nature of such campaigns whilst working with Kenyan authorities to protect their nationals.
Escalating Threats and Violence Against Ethiopian Community
The situation deteriorated rapidly following the murder of an Ethiopian man in Burabu during the week preceding 23 January 2026 [1]. This killing triggered what refugees describe as an organised ‘get out’ campaign targeting the entire Ethiopian population in Mandera [1]. Ethiopian refugees report receiving explicit death threats, with one refugee stating: ‘They told us that if we don’t leave by January 5th, we will be killed’ [1]. The 5 January 2026 deadline has already passed, yet the intimidation campaign continues [alert! ‘Current status of deadline enforcement unclear from source’] [1]. The violence represents a significant escalation in tensions that have been building around Ethiopian participation in local businesses, particularly motorcycle taxi operations and hotel management [1].
Economic Integration and Community Backlash
Many Ethiopian refugees have established deep economic roots in Mandera over nearly a decade, with some residents having lived there for eight years [1]. A father of two who has been in Mandera for eight years explained his situation: ‘We bought a motorcycle, we opened a hotel, and we were working. We don’t know who is behind it, but they started saying, All Ethiopians must leave’ [1]. The Ethiopian population in Mandera is estimated at approximately 10,000 people, predominantly from the Wolayta Zone and Oromia region [1]. Community meetings have specifically focused on Ethiopian involvement in the motorcycle transport business and hotel sector, suggesting these economic activities have become flashpoints for local resentment [1]. Local elders have cited concerns about ‘insecurity and other immoral behaviour’ allegedly brought by Ethiopian refugees to Mandera [1].
Police Harassment and Systematic Extortion
Beyond the death threats, Ethiopian refugees report facing systematic harassment and financial exploitation by authorities [1]. One refugee described the deteriorating conditions: ‘It would be better if they left us in peace. But now they are arresting us, they are taking money from us. They are coming in police vehicles and taking money from taxis. We are in great trouble’ [1]. The extortion appears to target Ethiopian-run businesses, with police vehicles specifically used to collect money from taxi operations [1]. Refugees express complete helplessness in their situation, with one stating simply: ‘We don’t have anyone to help us’ [1]. The combination of death threats and systematic extortion has created an untenable environment for the Ethiopian community [1].
Official Response and Diplomatic Intervention
Ethiopian diplomatic officials acknowledge this is not an isolated incident, with Deputy Ambassador Demeke Atanafu stating: ‘This matter is not new; we have been following it’ [1]. The embassy has notified Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and maintains communication with Mandera’s local administration whilst monitoring the situation [1]. Atanafu emphasised that similar campaigns have occurred previously, typically initiated by individuals rather than government policy, and that local and central authorities are collaborating with community representatives [1]. The deputy ambassador stressed that only government agencies can determine the legal status of migrants, and that these agencies are providing necessary protections [1]. Local elder Ugaas Cusmaan Riqiso, chairman of the elders’ committee, maintained that community leaders support constitutional processes: ‘We are behind the government, our country has a constitution, we are following the constitution’ [1]. However, he also warned of potential arrests if Ethiopians do not comply with departure demands [1].