First batch of Somali refugees due to return home
UN agency for refugees UNHCR announced that the first batch of over 3000 Somali refugees in Dadab refugee camps registered to voluntarily return to their locations in Bay, Gedo and Juba regions.
UNHCR head in Dadab Ahmed Warsame speaking to BBC Somali service stated that the first batch of the refugees will leave the camps on 8th of December 2014.
Mr. Warsame reiterated that the refugees will be transferred to Dhoobley, the border of Kenya and Somalia with buses adding that they will be transit for two nights before handed over to UNHCR Somalia.
He underlined that each of the refugees was given little cash of eighty (80)dollars as well as three month food ration before returning home.
Finally he said the refugees registered to return home voluntarily as the security of the country improved to lead a more secured life in their homelands.
The federal government of Somalia has not yet commented on the issue and no plans displayed so far to relocate the refugees.
Late last year the governments of Somalia and Kenya together with UNHCR signed a tripartite agreement stating that all returns of Somalis refugees from Kenya to Somalia should be strictly voluntary. UNHCR does not support forced returns.
Earlier this year the government of Kenya has deported over 300 Somali refugees from the country and many others living in the urban centers ordered back to their respective camps after security forces launched massive operations in Eastleigh in a bid to address the increasing security threats.