The Ethiopian government has repatriated 287 citizens detained in Kenya after they attempted dangerous journeys to South Africa. This action, supported by the Ethiopian Embassy and Kenyan authorities, reflects ongoing issues of human trafficking affecting Ethiopian migrants. The government continues its efforts to return nationals stranded abroad safely.
On March 7, the Ethiopian government confirmed the repatriation of 287 citizens who had been detained in 18 prisons across Kenya. This announcement was made by the Ethiopian Embassy in Kenya, which stated that the individuals had been arrested for illegally entering the country while attempting to travel to South Africa, drawn in by human traffickers.
Following effective coordination with Kenyan authorities, these Ethiopian nationals were repatriated on the same day, using land transport via the Moyale border crossing. This successful operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ethiopian migrants, many of whom undertake perilous journeys to reach South Africa each year, often falling victim to human trafficking.
The International Organization for Migration reports that thousands of Ethiopians embark on dangerous irregular migrations annually, frequently traveling through Kenya and Tanzania. These migrants encounter significant hardships, including imprisonment and life-threatening situations throughout their journey.
Earlier this year, the Ethiopian government reported that approximately 33,000 nationals had been repatriated from various countries over a six-month period, with many returning in precarious conditions. This indicates a broader trend in the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its citizens stranded abroad.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this ongoing large-scale repatriation effort is part of the government’s “citizen-centered” diplomatic initiatives aimed at safeguarding the welfare of its nationals in distressful circumstances overseas.
In summary, the Ethiopian government has successfully repatriated 287 of its citizens from Kenya, where they were detained for illegal entry amid attempts to migrate to South Africa. This event illustrates the dangers faced by Ethiopian migrants and the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad through coordinated repatriation efforts. The ongoing challenges within the southern migration route underscore the urgent need for awareness and intervention regarding human trafficking.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
