By Yiep Joseph
Kenyan government has imposed a curfew in Kakuma Refugee Camp following several days of protests by refugees.
According to a statement released to the media, the curfew restricts movement in specific areas of the camp. It is in effect from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., prohibiting any entry to or exit from the camp during these hours.
The statement warned that violators of the curfew would be referred to the appropriate authorities if there was any resistance.
The purpose of the curfew, as stated, is to address reported issues related to insecurity in the area.
“Due to the recent security concerns and in the interest of maintaining peace and order in Kakuma Camp and Kalobeyei settlement, the following curfew and movement restrictions are hereby imposed with immediate effect today date 3rd March 2025,” the statement read.
Recent reports indicated that a peaceful protest at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County, Kenya, escalated into violence, resulting in injuries to an unspecified number of refugees, including South Sudanese nationals.
For over a week, refugees have been demonstrating, demanding the restoration of essential supplies that were cut due to financial challenges.
While the protests initially remained peaceful, frustration grew due to inaction, prompting some demonstrators to attempt a march toward the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) offices within the camp demanding a response.
The protest, sparked by severe food and water shortages and concerns over forced integration, saw refugees march into Kakuma town last week.
Reports from Turkana County News indicate that some refugees sustained gunshot wounds, though their conditions are not considered critical.
The camp, home to refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, has been struggling with increasing tensions over resource scarcity and the Kenyan government’s integration plans.
“Several refugees sustained serious gunshot injuries after clashing with police during a peaceful protest at UNHCR offices over food shortages, water, and insecurity at Kakuma Refugee Camp,” according to Kenya media.
Meanwhile, another blog reported that a protest at the UNHCR Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya resulted in violence, with five innocent refugees reportedly shot.
However, efforts to reach South Sudan Foreign Affairs officials, and Kenyan authorities to comment on the alleged target shooting of peaceful protesters were not peaceful.
Both governments have not yet issued statements regarding the incident.
Citizens and civil society have condemned the actions of the Kenyan police, which resulted in the injury of several individuals, labelling it as unlawful.
Meanwhile, in an interview with this outlet, Ter Manyang, the Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), urged Kenya to respect international refugee law.
“I call upon the Government of Kenya to uphold international refugee law. Kenya has signed and ratified key conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention, and has recently enacted a new Refugee Act aimed at solidifying the rights of refugees,” he appealed.
He called on Kenya to protect refugees and provide basic needs.