Ethiopia Successfully Repatriates 287 Nationals from Kenya Detention

Ethiopia has repatriated 287 nationals detained in Kenya for illegal entry. The individuals were attempting to reach South Africa under the influence of human traffickers. The repatriation was facilitated by coordination between the Ethiopian Embassy and Kenyan authorities, reflecting the government’s commitment to support its citizens abroad.

On March 7, the Ethiopian government reported the successful repatriation of 287 citizens detained in Kenya. These individuals had been held in 18 different prisons due to their illegal entry into the country while trying to reach South Africa, misled by human traffickers.

The Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya confirmed that the repatriation process involved close coordination with Kenyan authorities. The returnees were transported home on Wednesday via land transport, utilizing the Moyale border crossing.

Each year, thousands of Ethiopians undertake hazardous irregular migration routes towards South Africa, often manipulated by traffickers. They frequently traverse through Kenya, Tanzania, and other southern African nations, risking imprisonment and confronting numerous dangers throughout their journey.

In January, a report revealed that the Ethiopian government had repatriated approximately 33,000 nationals over six months from various countries, many of whom returned in critical condition. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this extensive repatriation is part of a “citizen-centered” diplomatic initiative aimed at assisting citizens trapped in challenging situations abroad.

The recent repatriation of 287 Ethiopian nationals underscores the Ethiopian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. Through collaboration with Kenyan authorities, vulnerable individuals were safely returned home, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the plight of migrants facing dire circumstances. This initiative illustrates the government’s larger strategy to assist thousands of citizens who endure dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities.

Original Source: gna.org.gh