6000 Sudanese refugees to return back home from Ethiopia

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

March 20, 2008 (ASOSSA) — The Bureau of Refugees and Returnees Affairs in Asossa said some 6 thousand Sudanese refugees will return back to their country over the next 3 months.

The repatriation process is based on the former agreement made between Ethiopia, Sudan and UNHCR.

Office head Abebe Bekelle said preparation to return back the refugees is finalized and the repatriation process is under way.
Most of the 6000 Sudanese to be sent home are women and children.

According to the official the refugees during their stay have been receiving every thing necessary.

Currently over 35,000 sudanese refugees are sheltered in 4 camps

Recently The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)said it will close down two Sudanese refugee camps, where some 7500 Sudanese refugees are currently being sheltered.

According to cosmas chand, UNHCR’s deputy representative in Ethiopia, if the resumed repatriation program goes on as planned without disruption, Bonga and Dimma refugee camps will be closed by the end of may 2008.

The plan is to turn two refugee comes into training center after closure says Estifanos Gebremedhin, the administration of refugee and returnee Affairs (ARRA) Gambella sub office head.

“The camps will be turned into agricultural training center and a training center of handicrafts and weaving in collaboration with regional government” he said.

(ST)