While other African countries have been scrambling to airlift their citizens out of Lebanon, Ethiopia says it is facing challenges over repatriating what’s left of its nationals from the conflict-ridden Middle Eastern country.
Recently the Ethiopian government said it returned over 100 of its nationals from Lebanon as the situation in the country degenerates with more bombings and ground offensive against Hezbollah by the Israeli military.
Among the African governments that have moved their citizens to relative safety since the beginning of October are Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Other Africans still stranded in the country include migrants from Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it cannot repatriate citizens from Lebanon due to Israel–Hezbollah conflict which caused flight disruptions.
The ministry’s spokesperson Nebiyat Getachew Tuesday told local media that while over 150,000 Ethiopians are legally registered and primarily employed in Lebanon, many face considerable challenges in repatriation.
He said that the Lebanese government enforces strict residency laws, which often result in fines for those who have overstayed their visas or lack legal residency, further complicating their return.
Despite the challenges, the spokesperson reported that 125 Ethiopians who were facing difficult circumstances in Lebanon have already been successfully repatriated.
“With all the complications in Lebanon, we’re striving hard with all possibilities to repatriate our citizens,†he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously reported the successful repatriation of 51 Ethiopians to Addis Abeba, where they were welcomed by senior officials. At that time, the Ministry indicated that efforts were ongoing to bring more nationals back from Lebanon.
Earlier in this month,, the National Committee, chaired by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, stated it was exploring “various options†to ensure the safe return of Ethiopians affected by the security situation in Lebanon.
MG/as/APA
