On March 20, 2025, a devastating fire broke out at the Um Rakuba Tigrayan refugee shelter camp in Sudan, claiming the lives of two children—a six-year-old and a two-year-old—and causing significant damage to property and livelihoods. The camp, which houses thousands of refugees from Tigray, is now grappling with the aftermath of the blaze.

The Um Rakuba Shelter Camp, already operating beyond its capacity, is struggling to accommodate those displaced by the fire. Overcrowded conditions have further compounded the challenges faced by the camp in providing adequate support to the refugee population.

Journalist Madhane, who witnessed the incident, told the BBC, “Fourteen canvas shelters were completely destroyed due to the fire. It’s very unfortunate that their property was completely destroyed.” He added that the refugees were unable to contain the fire, which spread rapidly through the lined-up canvas shelters. In addition to personal belongings, monthly aid provided by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other organizations was also lost in the blaze.

Journalist Medhanye confirmed the tragic loss of two children in the fire. “The saddest part is that two children from the same family—a six-year-old and a two-year-old—died in the accident,” he said.

Tigray Television reported that the fire destroyed numerous homes within the camp, leaving many refugees without food and shelter. The cause of the fire remains unknown, according to the report.

The affected refugees have urgently called for assistance, emphasizing the dire situation caused by the loss of essential supplies and shelter.

These Tigrayan refugees fled to Sudan to escape the atrocities committed by the Ethiopian government, along with its allies—the Amhara forces and the Eritrean army—during the genocidal war launched under the guise of a law enforcement campaign against the people of Tigray in late 2020. Although the Pretoria Agreement brought an end to the genocidal war, the federal government has yet to fulfill its obligations to repatriate refugees as stipulated in the agreement. Consequently, many refugees continue to live in dire conditions. Additionally, over one million displaced persons remain scattered across Tigray.