Exerting its maximum effort, Ethiopia’s government is caring for its citizens whether they are in land or abroad. Some years back following the new government’s coming to power, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had taken remarkable measure in bringing back several Ethiopians from different countries that include those in prisons. This commendable practice has been underway during the past years.
At the moment, many Ethiopians are facing severe challenges in different parts of the world including the Arab world especially in Saudi Arabia. Though many of them have come back to their motherland to date, remarkable number of migrants is still dwelling there in disgusting situation. They repeatedly call for help and the government is working on it.
As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently, more than 100 thousand Ethiopians need immediate help. According to the Ministry, Ethiopian government is working on citizen diplomacy and in this regard, The National Committee established to work on the cases of Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia had a meeting with stakeholders to exchange the latest plans in handling the issue. Preparation is underway not only to repatriate Ethiopian citizens but also to rehabilitate them.
The repatriation efforts would include more than 102 thousand Ethiopians that are in various Saudi Arabian prisons and detention centers.Considering the gravity of the issue, Ambassador Birtukan called on all stakeholders to contribute their level best to alleviate the problems that Ethiopians are facing in Saudi Arabia.
Returning such great amount of migrants requires high expense in finance for the logistic purpose and provision of jobs in the country. Though the government is doing its best, it needs support from aid organizations and other friendly countries.
Inland, the government is vigorously working on rehabilitating Internally Displaced People (IDP) because of the war induced by the terrorist TPLF and the unrest created here and there by Shene in the central parts of the country.
Besides, large amount of people along with their livestock need help in Somali and Oromia regions as a result of drought occurred in the areas. The central government and other regional states including the two city administrations are providing necessary humanitarian aids for these drought affected areas.
However, these problems of greater magnitude are imposing pressure on the war torn economy of this developing country. Thus, external support is essential since it is a matter of life and death for many citizens.
Humanitarian organizations including UNHCR are expected to consider the issue and act accordingly to address the citizens’problems suffering from lack of basic needs and facing other various challenges. Reaching these citizens as fast as possible is a matter collaborative effort from all concerned bodies such as the government and the stakeholders operating inland and abroad. Wastage of a single minute may cost life of those in the hardship.
Thus, cooperative response for the call of these citizens is a matter of humanity that should be performed swiftly. They are stretching their hand for help and we must be a friend in need.
The March 5/2022
