Puntland Security Forces Deport Ethiopian Nationals Amid Rising Tensions
Puntland’s security forces have intensified deportations of Ethiopian nationals, with a particular focus on members of the Oromo ethnic group. This action is part of a broader effort coordinated by various security agencies to address growing security concerns in the region.
Security Concerns and Deportation Efforts
The deportations are a response to the increasing influx of immigrants seeking employment and concerns about possible links to terrorist organizations such as Daesh and Al-Shabaab. Puntland authorities have reported that the rising number of Oromo migrants poses a significant threat to the security of Garowe and other major cities in Puntland.
“Given the escalating number of Oromo migrants potentially joining terrorist groups, we are taking steps to deport those who are in Somalia illegally back to Ethiopia,” security officials told the media. The operations are occurring amidst heightened regional tensions and anxieties about migration and security.
Regional Tensions and Impact on Ethiopian Migrants
The situation has been further complicated by a contentious agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline. This deal has heightened tensions throughout Somalia and has had a direct impact on the security and perception of Ethiopian migrants and refugees.
The federal government of Somalia has criticized the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as an infringement on national sovereignty. Consequently, there has been an uptick in violence against Ethiopians in Somalia, particularly targeting the Oromo ethnic group. The violence has included both verbal and physical threats, exacerbated by recent attacks attributed to Al-Shabaab militants. These attacks have heightened fear within the Ethiopian refugee community.
The ongoing deportations and regional tensions highlight the complex interplay between security concerns and migration issues in Puntland. The responses of both local and international actors will be crucial in addressing the humanitarian and security challenges faced by Ethiopian migrants and refugees in the region.