Botswana April 2005 |
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| Angolan refugees to return home, (Mmegi, 2005-04-08):-Four hundred and thirty Angolan refugees are to return home in the first week of May. In an interview, the settlement commandant for Dukwi Refugee Camp, Ephraim Sekeinyane said the situation in Angola is calm. “In a previous trip we repatriated about 62 Angolans and they have probably written back to their friends who remained behind and explained the situation to them,” Sekeinyane said. He explained that they visited Angola last month to assess the situation and were satisfied with the level of security. He, however, pointed out that there are 200 Angolans who have not yet made up their minds. “We are not troubled by this because as soon as their friends get there, they will share their experiences with the remaining ones,” he said. Sekeinyane said the repatriation would be carried out in groups. “We shall repatriate them according to their provinces. The first group shall be those who are closer to us, that is those from Cuando Cubengo province.” He pointed out that the majority of refugees are from that area. Sekeinyane said they would airlift those who reside in provinces that are far and revealed that most of the refugees are excited about going home. To enable them to resettle, the Angolan government usually gives them packages to build houses and start agricultural projects. They also get food rations for six months after which there is assessment to find out their needs and whether to continue with assistance or not. There is also a national programme of family tracing which gives relatives the opportunity to reunite. “Last year, the Angolan government published in the government gazette that all those who fought against it during the civil war have been pardoned. “We contribute as well, we give them clothes and utensils that they use when they get home,” said Sekeinyane. Meanwhile, Namibian refugees will be repatriated on April 15. In a tripartite commission that was held between Namibia, Botswana and United Nations High Commissioner for refugees, the 29 refugees who registered for repatriation have been assured of security and stability. “We have been guaranteed security and stability by our Namibian counterparts,” Sekeinyane said. He pointed out that three Namibians who had initially registered for voluntary repatriation have changed their minds. “One is married here and the others have their own social reasons.” About 1,000 Namibian refugees still reside at the Dukwi camp. | |
South African Migration Project (SAMP) - Queen's University - http://www.queensu.ca/samp |