Ethiopia will repatriate all compatriots stranded in Saudi Arabia in two weeks

Addis Ababa, June 24, 2021 (FBC) – Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dina Mufti said Ethiopia is in a better position to repatriate all compatriots stranded in detention centers of Saudi Arabia.

In a weekly press briefing, the Ministry briefed journalists on the political diplomacy, public diplomacy and current situation including the recently concluded general elections.

Ambassador Dina said that a delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and other relevant government agencies has left for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss the situation of Ethiopian migrants in the country.

The delegation will confer with relevant Saudi Arabian officials regarding the protection of the rights of Ethiopian citizens in the country and further facilitate the repatriation process.

The discussion between the Ethiopian and Saudi Arabian officials will review the achievements and challenges of repatriating illegal migrants who are willing to return home based on their consent.

The close cooperation between the two nations, in this regard, has enabled tens of thousands of Ethiopians to return home safely and in a dignified way, despite the challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic.

The visit by the Ethiopian delegation and the outcome of the discussion between the two nations will further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries to efficiently address the problems faced by migrants and expedite the dignified repatriation process.

He also said the election process was peaceful, orderly  and credible and appreciated by both domestic and international observers including the African Union Election Observation Mission. Election has beaten bad speculations of doomsayers over Ethiopia, he added.

“Whoever wins the election, the people of Ethiopia are the ultimate winners. By participating in the elections and withstanding every allegation, and prophecies of pseudo analysts who provided reasons for the failure of the electoral process, people of Ethiopia have shown that they are wise enough to understand that their country stands tall beyond temporary wins for parliamentary seats or the lifespan of a political party” Ambassador Dina underlined.

Ethiopians have shown their unwavering commitment to decide in which track the country shall proceed, he said adding that the huge voter turnout is a testament to the peoples’ commitment to take matters in their own hands.

Eastern Africa Standby Force Election Observation Mission (EASF EOM) which consists of 26 observers from the EASF Member States namely; Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, Seychelles, Uganda, Rwanda and Comoros said in a press briefing that the election was made following the reforms in Ethiopia that opened the political and civic space.

EASF-EOM stated that the pre-election and election day processes were conducted in an orderly, peaceful and credible manner.

The election was made following the reforms in Ethiopia that opened the political and civic space which contributed to greater freedoms and the proliferation of political parties and civic organizations, the strengthening of NEBE as an independent institution, the release of political prisoners and the return of exiled political activities.

The electoral legal framework was elaborately done with stakeholder consultations and National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) enjoys the trust and confidence of stakeholders, it is stated.

Women’s participation as candidates and voters was commendable and additional financial support was granted by the NEBE to encourage women and disabled candidates too.

The civil societies and the media participation in the electoral process was commendable as international and domestic observers were granted unrestricted access to the polling stations and were allowed to conduct their duties without interference.

The delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foregin Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen has paid officials visit to UAE and Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Demeke and Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov agreed to enhance historical relationships between Ethiopia and Russia, he added.