Refugee-Host Relationship in Ethiopia: A Case of Eritrean Refugees in Tigray Region

Abstract

This study explores the nature of refugee-host relations in Ethiopia with particular reference to the Eritrean refugees and the hosts that are found in the Tigray regional state. To this effect, primary data were collected through interview, focus group discussion (FGD), document review, and observation; participants for the study were selected through purposive sampling technique, and the study employed a basic qualitative data analysis method. It was found out that the interaction between the two groups has been dynamic, changing from almost "closed’ and ‘antagonistic’ to ‘cordial’ type of relationship in the process, and now, this smooth relationship has been negatively impacted by and faced obstacles due to the on-going war between the Tigray regional state and the federal government. The key factors that are involved in the transformation of their relationship and the status of the refugees in the eyes of the local hosts emerge both internally from the refugees and the hosts themselves (refugees’ aspiration, cultural similarity, economic benefits of refugees, familiarity and socialization between refugees and hosts), and externally from the work of the government. The paper concludes that inter-group relationships change across time, and these changes are far from absolute as they are accompanied by continuities of some elements of past relationships.