NAIROBI – The country is experiencing a new wave of refugees’ arrivals from South Sudan as the crisis in neighboring countries worsens and an estimated 20 refugees cross the border every day.
The Chief Minister of Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, coupled with ongoing security concerns along the Ethiopia-Somalia border, warns that the influx presents a major challenge to Kenya’s refugee management policy.
“The situation in South Sudan is getting worse and we should be documented that we are beginning to see another influx at a rate of 20 refugees per day, and we are beginning to see certain cermstances that are beginning to challenge us,” Mudavadi said.
The recent clash between troops loyal to President Salva Kir and First Vice President Leek Machar raised fears that South Sudan is on the brink of a new war.
Last week’s arrest of Machar was seen by some observers as a spark that could rekindle the civil wars their rivals fought between 2013 and 2018, which killed around 400,000 people.
The government is also monitoring the situation along the Marsavit-Ethiopian border, where sporadic tensions are threatened to escalate, so the government remains high and remains high. Furthermore, the revival of al-Shabaab activities in Somalia continues to pose risks.
“We also have issues with al-Shabaab and the conflict on the Somali side and sporadic tensions at the Marsavit-Ethiopia border. There are serious security issues that need to be readjusted both locally and regionally,” warned Mudavadi.
He was answering questions raised by Senator Marsabitt Mohammed Shuto about the number of Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia’s towns of Magaso and Dilo, providing information on the timeline and circumstances of evacuation to Ethiopia.
The country is working to reintegrate thousands of Kenyan refugees who fled to Ethiopia due to an ethnic conflict in Marsavit County.
“The majority of refugees were willing to move to areas where mostly the Borana community lives. Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia still hold identification and are now willing to return to Kenya voluntarily,” Mudavadi argued.
On the Senate floor, Mudavadi stressed the need for a careful approach to refugee integration, ensuring that those entering the country receive not only humanitarian assistance, but also contribute to Kenya’s economic growth.
“The integration of refugees must be done with caution. We must move from a situation where refugees draw from Kenya’s resources to something that helps them grow the wealth of this country,” he said.
A recent government verification exercise showed that 4,993 individuals were ready to go home. However, this process is complicated by security concerns, lack of resources and the need to provide appropriate housing and land for returnees.
Mudavadi outlined important concerns that must be addressed before a massive repatriation occurs, such as destinations, accommodation and humanitarian assistance.
“To ensure safety in the settlement area, safety and security measures must be taken. Formal receptionists must establish a well-organized reception process. Legal guarantees and property seized refugees need legal protection and guarantees of rights to reclaim their property, including their ancestor land,” he explained.
Mudavadi pointed out that the government is already working systemically to address the issue of Ethiopian refugees in Kenya, particularly in refugee camps in Kakuma and Dadaab.
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Mudavadi assures lawmakers that efforts to repatriate refugees would be made voluntarily and legally, and that they would refuse forced deportation.
“When dealing with refugees, it must be voluntary, so consultations and negotiations are underway. Deportation will not occur,” he said.
On the issue of compensation, Mudavadi has made it clear that the government will not only promote interests and reintegration of Kenyan refugees, but will not provide financial compensation.
“In regards to compensation, the government will only promote the return and reintegration of Kenyan refugees granted in asylum in other countries. However, no compensation will be provided to Kenya when he returns,” he said.
