Somalia: Jubaland allows refugees to cross the border

Kismayo, Somalia – Jubaland State have announced that it had allowed refugees repatriated from Dadab camp to cross the Somali border, Garowe online reports.

The new decision came after Jubaland state have recently blocked returnees at Dhobley area located at the border between Kenya and Somalia amid concerns by the state officials for lack of resettlement plans and resources for the large returnees coming to the region.

Refugees at the temporary Dhoblay camp have complained about the bad conditions they going through after they left their homes in Dadab camp. They appealed to the Somali and Kenyan Government to intervene in the matter and return to Somalia.

Speaking to the media Jubalnad’s Interior Minister Mahamed Warsame Darwiish has confirmed that a meeting between Jubaland State and UNHCR officials has concluded yesterday and the two sides agreed to allow refugees to enter the region, also agreed not to forcibly repatriate the remaining refugees until resettlement plan is being finalized and urged partners of the tripartite agreement to speed up the work plans for resettlement.

The returnees are allowed to enter the region or proceed to their perspective destination but the resources to support such large returnees is limited, added the Interior Minister.   

Kenya Government had decided that it will permanently close Dadab camp at the end of 2016, citing reasons of national security claiming that Dadab camp has became a safe heaven for Al Shabab terrorist group.

GAROWEONLINE