“I could not take it anymore, being a refugee. It all began in Jijiga for me, visiting relatives and friends. We all talked about going Europe and living abroad. During my visit to Jijiga 2013, I met a young girl named Gudoon, she was my gateway to leaving Ethiopia. One late summer evening, Gudoon decided to count money in front of me – something around 500 dollars. Gudoon urged me to put together the same amount and said, “We are going to Europe!”
Upon reaching Addis Ababa, we were put in contact with smugglers who have houses all over the city where refugees and migrants are kept. I was in a house for four days before leaving for Sudan. The smugglers would bring food, water and sleeping bags for us to use. We could not talk much. All we could do was wait.
When the day came for us to leave, we drove from Addis Ababa to Bahar Dar and then to Matatma. During the journey, we were handed over to other smugglers. Luckily, no one was mistreated. The smugglers asked for the telephone numbers to our parents, specifically our mothers; and they told us that they would call our families back home to send the money for the journey, our food, transportation and accommodation costs. They started to threaten us wilding their weapons dangerously and saying that if our families did not send the money, we would not be released and would be put up for organ harvesting.
They wanted around 3,000 USD. My mother and family did not have that amount of money, so I felt stranded. I kept it together during the days but would break down at night. I was in their custody for two months. I lost weight and almost lost my mind. Finally, the money was sent and I was asked if I wanted to carry on to the Mediterranean Sea or be returned to Ethiopia. I chose Ethiopia; I chose my refugee camp. I could not risk my life any longer.
I disappeared from the camp in mid-June 2013. At the end of November that same year, I was returned to Kebribeya refugee camp. I do not think I will ever put myself through such an ordeal. I am lucky I survived.”
Somali Refugee from Kebribebya Refugee Camp