Press Release
Ethiopian Nationals Pray for Their Government's Cooperation
to Return Home

The government of Ethiopia for the third time has refused to accept the return of its nationals residing in Eritrea. Upon the request of Ethiopians living in Eritrea, the ICRC and the government of Eritrea began a voluntary repatriation mission in June 2000. The program was running smoothly until the government in Addis Ababa resorted to obstructions and tactics and presented incomprehensible delays to the mission, causing it to shut down completely.

In particular, the suspension of the mission has been brought about because of Ethiopia's demand to change the safest route for the repatriation, the Adi Quala-Kisad Ika-Rama road. By doing so, the safety of the returnees is being compromised by the Ethiopian authorities for the purpose of pursuing other objectives.

The government of Eritrea has fully cooperated with the ICRC to ensure the safety of Ethiopians in their travels from Eritrea. Without the same commitment from Addis Ababa, the well being of these people on the receiving end is not being assured.

This recent obstruction to the repatriation mission is just one setback in a pattern of events put forth by the Ethiopian government to hinder the program's continuation. Because of this negligent act, the rights of 1,200 Ethiopians to return to their homes are being betrayed by their own government.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Asmara, 9 August 2000