Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his three-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) repatriated 135 Ethiopians, who have been in jails and confined in refugee camps.
In fact, this is not his first experience. Rather, since he came to power in April 2018, he did it more than once and helped thousands of desperate and anguished Ethiopians to return home. And when he did that, he brought the desperate back home aboard his own flight.
The visit he made to Khartoum last August and the repatriation of 105 Ethiopian refugees, who had been imprisoned in various jails of Sudan, is one of the showcases.
Likewise, following discussions he held with leaders of different countries in connection with the fate of Ethiopians detained in different jails and confined in refugee camps, he has enabled to return 105 Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia and 30 from Egypt to their homeland in his earlier visits.
To date, as sources indicate, the government has repatriated over 120,000 returnees from more than 10 countries.
The move, apart from showing government’s special consideration for citizens and manifesting its commitment to protecting and ensuring the safety of citizens in foreign countries, it clearly portrays how country’s foreign relations and diplomacy reached to the highest stage, beyond plain propaganda.
Ethiopia is one of the countries that hundred thousands of its citizens flock to foreign countries for various purposes. Unfortunately, a great number of migrants, (mostly those travelled illegally and obtained neither residency nor work permits) are obliged to lead a distressing and painful life in overseas due to various reasons.
Even most are compelled to spend their lives locked up behind the prison cells for various reasons, instead of getting better economic opportunities and leading the life they dreamed of.
As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed explained to members of the Ethiopian community gathered at Shabab Alahli Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia is respected when its citizens are respected. “Therefore, we will strive to do everything to protect your rights and dignity,” he reaffirmed.
It is true that Ethiopia is respected when its citizens residing in foreign countries are respected. Singing the same tune, if citizens are dishonored, the country also dishonored directly or indirectly. Government’s citizen centered foreign policy in this regard, is timely and crucial.
Premier’s visit to different countries and his concern to Ethiopians is a sign of love and oneness. It also stimulates oneness and sense of belongingness among those Ethiopians living abroad. Further, it drives them to serve as diplomat to their countries.
. The Ethiopian Herald February 19/2020
