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UNHCR boss in Kenya over refugees’ fate

Storyline:National News

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres is in Kenya for talks over Kenya’s plans to repatriate at least half a million Somali refugees from the Dadaab camp.
Guterres reached accompanied by the Africa Bureau director Valentine Tapsoba. He is expected to hold meetings with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.
His visit is prompted by Kenya’s threat to expel the refugees, citing threats of links to terrorism.
Last month, Deputy President William Ruto gave the UNHCR three months to relocate the more than two-decade old camp.
“Top on the agenda will be discussions with the government on voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees and how to ensure security is maintained in the refugee camps,” UNHCR Kenya spokesperson Emmanuel Nyabera said yesterday.
“He (Guterres) will hold discussions with the donor community on resource mobilisation to improve the living conditions in Somalia and support to the refugee hosting communities in Kenya.”
Guterres will also visit Somalia tomorrow before leaving for Dadaab refugee camp on Friday to assess the situation.
Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR signed a tripartite agreement in 2013 with a lifespan of three years to voluntarily repatriate the Somali refugees.
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