The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
Puntland Interior Minister Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab has defended the presence of thousands of Ethiopian nationals in the region, saying that forcibly sending them back would be unreasonable. Speaking to the Puntland Parliament, the minister noted that many Somalis, including Puntland residents, study and work in Ethiopia and that the region would continue to register foreigners entering its territory, formally registering Ethiopian arrivals as refugees. Qarjab cited a recent call from Somalia’s consul in Ethiopia, who reminded him that roughly 5,000 Puntlanders and other Somalis are enrolled in Ethiopian universities, many of whom have already graduated. He urged the public not to react emotionally to the growing number of Ethiopian migrants and stressed that the government would adopt a more organized system of migration management. The influx of Ethiopians into Puntland is linked to rising insecurity in Somali‑inhabited areas of Ethiopia. Clashes between Somali and Oromo communities, particularly around the Moyale area, have displaced people and increased cross‑border movement. In some Somali communities, the violence has sparked resentment toward Ethiopians and calls for their return across the border. Puntland faces a delicate challenge: balancing border security, local community pressure, and the humanitarian duty to protect people fleeing conflict. The authorities must assess the region’s capacity to manage migration, provide essential services, and monitor population movements. Proper registration of arrivals will help authorities determine how many people have entered Puntland, identify their circumstances, and assess their protection needs. The growing influx reflects the broader impact of Ethiopia’s internal conflicts spilling across international borders. Unless the insecurity driving displacement is addressed, Puntland and other neighboring Somali territories could face increasing humanitarian, economic, and security pressures. Article source: WardheerNews | Image credit: WardheerNews
Puntland Interior Minister Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab has defended the presence of thousands of Ethiopian nationals in the region, saying that forcibly sending them back would be unreasonable. Speaking to the Puntland Parliament, the minister noted that many Somalis, including Puntland residents, study and work in Ethiopia and that the region would continue to register foreigners entering its territory, formally registering Ethiopian arrivals as refugees. Qarjab cited a recent call from Somalia’s consul in Ethiopia, who reminded him that roughly 5,000 Puntlanders and other Somalis are enrolled in Ethiopian universities, many of whom have already graduated. He urged the public not to react emotionally to the growing number of Ethiopian migrants and stressed that the government would adopt a more organized system of migration management. The influx of Ethiopians into Puntland is linked to rising insecurity in Somali‑inhabited areas of Ethiopia. Clashes between Somali and Oromo communities, particularly around the Moyale area, have displaced people and increased cross‑border movement. In some Somali communities, the violence has sparked resentment toward Ethiopians and calls for their return across the border. Puntland faces a delicate challenge: balancing border security, local community pressure, and the humanitarian duty to protect people fleeing conflict. The authorities must assess the region’s capacity to manage migration, provide essential services, and monitor population movements. Proper registration of arrivals will help authorities determine how many people have entered Puntland, identify their circumstances, and assess their protection needs. The growing influx reflects the broader impact of Ethiopia’s internal conflicts spilling across international borders. Unless the insecurity driving displacement is addressed, Puntland and other neighboring Somali territories could face increasing humanitarian, economic, and security pressures.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
