Dadaab exhibition text panels
PANEL 1
INTRODUCTION
Twenty-five years ago, when the first Somalis began crossing the border fleeing deadly conflict in
their country, the Dadaab refugee camps in north-eastern Kenya were born. Since then, the camps
have become home to hundreds of thousands of people and Dadaab is still today the largest refugee
camp complex in the world.
Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) first began providing life-saving medical
care in Dadaab in 1992, and has had a continual presence since 2009 in Dagahaley camp. Our doctors
and nurses have delivered vital assistance during numerous outbreaks of disease such as cholera,
meningitis, malaria and Rift Valley Fever, and during malnutrition epidemics.
These 25 photos depict the camp’s beginnings and evolution, the medical and humanitarian crises
that have affected its residents over the last quarter of a century, and the personal stories of some of
the refugees who call Dadaab home.
Over the years, MSF has advocated strongly at bilateral and public levels for the improvement of
living conditions in the camps, for increased humanitarian assistance when cuts have been made, or
for refugees’ right to flee when borders were closed, or registration stopped.
Today, as the threat of Dadaab’s closure hangs far too closely over the heads of its residents, MSF
will continue to advocate for better alternatives for refugees. We recently conducted a survey in
Dagahaley camp revealing that 86% of residents did not want to return to Somalia.
We remain strongly opposed to the closure announcement made by the Government of Kenya. As a
medical organisation, we are particularly concerned about the lack of access to healthcare in
Somalia. What will happen to patients receiving treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes
and heart disease? What about patients who are on medication for mental health disorders whose
treatment will be interrupted? And how will children who require vaccinations against deadly
diseases receive them?
Unfortunately we have no reason to believe that conditions in Somalia exist for refugees to return
safely, with proper access to medical assistance, and with dignity. On behalf of the thousands who
still call Dadaab home, we will strive to speak out.
Liesbeth Aelbrecht, Head of Mission for MSF in Kenya
PANEL 2
25 years of Dadaab refugee camps: a timeline
1991: Somalia is plunged into civil war, following armed efforts to topple the government of
Mohamed Siyad Barre. There is intense fighting in Mogadishu, widespread pillage and a food crisis in
the southern parts of Somalia leading to a mass influx of refugees into Kenya. The main crossing
point is the border town of Liboi, where a camp is established. The Dadaab camps are established not
long after: Ifo, Hagadera and Dagahaley are now home to thousands of Somalis.
1992: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) arrives in August, providing vaccination, opening up feeding
centres, an emergency and casualty department and eight health posts.
1994: Liboi camp is closed due to a deteriorating security situation. MSF remains in Dadaab, working
in Ifo, Hagadera and Dagahaley camps. Many other organisations begin arriving in Dadaab,
establishing essential services such as food distribution, water provision and education.
1995: Living conditions and the health status of refugees has now improved due to the increase in
assistance. The ‘emergency phase’is deemed over, however refugees still live a basic existence.
1997/98: Heavy flooding due to El Nino in north-eastern Kenya causes the first major malaria
outbreak since 1952. A Rift Valley Fever outbreak also takes place. Two years of drought had
preceded the outbreak, and significant food shortages also occur.
2003: In June, after 11 years of presence, MSF hands over its medical activities to another
organisation.
2006: Intensified fighting in Somalia causes anothe