Voices of Resilience in Ethiopia’s Somali region: A Journey from Displacement to Renewal

A Transformative Journey

Bayahow, Ethiopia - Across the sprawling plains of Ethiopia's Somali region, a quiet transformation is underway. It is not the kind that shouts or demands attention, but one that whispers of resilience, of lives stitched back together, and of hope taking root in the fertile soil of new beginnings.

This is the story of the relocation programme from Qoloji IDP camp to a new settlement in Bayahow, a venture as intricate as it is transformative. What began as a response to the plight of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in a camp-like setting has evolved into a blueprint for rebuilding lives and communities.

In December 2024, four waves of relocations led by the Regional Disaster Risk Management Bureau (DRMB) in Somali and supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and regional partners, marked a significant milestone. For 2,570 individuals or 524 households, the 620-kilometre journey from Qoloji to Bayahow was more than a passage—it was a bridge to possibility.

Voices of Resilience

Hafid Abdirahman: A Journey of Hope

Hafid Abdirahman, a father of seven, recalls the moment he and his family left the Qoloji camp in early December. “The journey was well-organized. We were provided with three meals a day, water, and biscuits. IOM ensured we had everything we needed,” he shares, his eyes reflecting the relief of newfound stability.

Upon arriving at Bayahow, Hafid felt a weight lift off his shoulders. “We received durable shelters constructed by the government. The new relocation site or settlement includes a school and a health centre too. It was more than I could have hoped for after eight years at Qoloji IDPs camp,” he says, determinedly.

Now, Hafid dreams of self-sufficiency. “If we receive startup and livelihood support, we can sustain our lives independently. I want my children to have a better future, to grow up in a place where they can thrive.”

Halima Mohamed: Embracing Change

Halima Mohamed, a spirited young mother, reflects on her relocation experience. “The journey was great. We had breakfast in Jijiga and lunch in Degehabur. When we arrived, we were welcomed with basic services like water, durable houses, non-food items and a supply of food,” she recounts, her enthusiasm palpable.

Halima’s aspirations extend beyond mere survival. “We want to change our lives and engage in different livelihoods activities, like farming. I’ve always dreamed of having my own plot of land, where I can grow vegetables and support my family,” she explains, her eyes shining with ambition.

Gesh Abdi Omar: The Road to Independence

Gesh Abdi Omar, who was a pastoralist before being displaced due to border conflicts, shares his story with nostalgia and hope. “Before we were displaced, we lived freely. The IDPs camp at Qoloji was congested, and there wasn’t enough space for us,” he recalls.

Now, Gesh sees a path forward. “After relocation, our lives have started to transform. IOM supported us a lot. We believe that in two years, we will become self-sufficient if we receive startup support,” he states confidently.

His vision for the future is clear: “We need farming land and tools. If we get the support we need, we can become independent again. We have the skills; we just need the opportunity.”

A Community Reborn

In Bayahow, life is beginning to hum with possibility. Children’s laughter echoes as they explore newly built spaces. Makeshift markets bustle with the exchange of goods and stories, and the community gathers to share plans for the future. This is not just a relocation—it is a rebirth.

As families embark on this new chapter, they carry with them the hopes of a brighter future and durable solutions. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with resilience and community support, they are well on their way to transforming their lives—one step at a time.

The Power of Partnerships

The relocation programme from Qoloji to Bayahow involves the cooperation of the government, development partners, and donors, including the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). This multi-year Durable Solutions initiative aims to address internal displacement caused by conflict and climate change.

The initiative aims for durable solutions and sustainability beyond resettlement. With additional support from the Agricultural Bureau and UN FAO, it will also help families farm or restock livestock. Through IOM’s off-farm livelihoods component of the project, small business startup activities are being introduced for economic independence.

As these families plant their roots in their new home, they are not merely surviving; they are thriving, cultivating a future rich with possibilities. Despite the searing heat, in the fertile soil of Bayahow the promise of renewal is alive, deeply rooted in the stories of resilience and strength shared by those who have journeyed from displacement to renewal.