Ethiopia to investigate report of killings in Saudi Arabia
Africa
By
Deutsche Welle
| Aug 23, 2023
Ethiopia vowed to launch a joint investigation with Saudi Arabian authorities into a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report accusing the kingdom's border guards of killing hundreds of Ethiopian migrants, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
"The Government of Ethiopia will promptly investigate the incident in tandem with the Saudi authorities," the ministry said on X, formerly known as Twitter, a day after the publication of the HRW report.
"At this critical juncture, it is highly advised to ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001478624/gulf-death-traps-283-kenyan-migrant-workers-died-in-gulf-between-2020-2022"> exercise utmost restraint What did HRW say in its report?
In a 73-page report released on Monday, Human Rights Watch accused Saudi guards stationed on the border with Yemen of "widespread and systematic" attacks on migrants using remote mountain trails to cross the border on foot. Artisanal miners upbeat as gold processing bill set for second reading Finance Bill: E-mobility, local phones makers face setbacks Nairobi Innovation Week opens with call for stronger academia-industry ties Eight DR Congo soldiers sentenced to death over desertion State to shut down 25 entities, privatise others in new reforms Blow to 2023 KCPE candidates as court strikes out exam re-mark cases Rwanda says DR Congo claims against Apple are 'baseless' Internet shutdowns major hindrance to digital rights inclusion in Africa, report Kihika assents to Bill in renewed fight against alcoholism Human rights groups sue State over planned sale of parastatals HRW said the guards used explosive weapons to kill some migrants and shot at others from close range.
"Saudi officials are killing hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers in this remote border area out of view of the rest of the world," HRW researcher Nadia Hardman said in a statement. A Saudi official said on Monday that the allegations in the HRW report were "unfounded".
What was the world's reaction?
The European Commission said on Tuesday it would raise the report's findings with the Saudi government and the Houthi authorities in Yemen.
"We welcome the announcement by the government of Ethiopia specifically to investigate the whole issue together with the authorities in Saudi Arabia," spokesman Peter Stano told reporters. The US government and the United Nations have also called for a thorough investigation. United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric called the report "very concerning" but noted the "serious" allegations were difficult to verify.
Last year, UN experts reported "concerning allegations" that "cross-border artillery shelling and small-arms fire by Saudi Arabia security forces killed approximately 430 migrants" in southern ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001424295/state-may-suspend-travel-to-saudi-for-domestic-workers">Saudi Arabia and northern< Yemen during the first four months of 2022.
How do Ethiopians get to Saudi Arabia?
The migration route from the Horn of Africa, across the Gulf of Aden, through Yemen to Saudi Arabia is an established corridor for Ethiopian migrants.
Around 750,000 Ethiopians currently reside in the kingdom, according to 2022 statistics from the International Organization for Migration, with up to 450,000 likely to have entered the country without permits.
In March of that year, the repatriation of Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia began under an agreement between the two countries. Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry said about 100,000 of its citizens were expected to be sent home over several months.
READ MORE
Five reasons why Man City won the Premier League
City beat Arsenal to the title for the second season running.
Lejirma charges to Ronald Marshall's victory in Njoro
Njoro Country Club chairman Steven Macharia promised to increase the kitty to ensure the tournament is bigger next year.
All set for Timau Northern Kenya Polo Championships meet
The competition has three divisions of the event with the main competition being Timau Stores Cup.
World Cup qualifiers: Olunga 'still part' of Malawi-bound Harambee Stars squad
Kenyans were divided on social media as initial list released by FKF omitted the captain.
Pep Guardiola casts doubt over long-term Man City future
Pep has won six English Premier League titles with Man City.