Namibians in Ethiopia ‘are safe’
Other countries have started repatriating their citizens from Ethiopia, where the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and its allies are advancing on the capital.
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
International relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government has been assured that Namibians in Ethiopia are safe.
A conflict between the Ethiopian government and forces in its northern Tigray region has thrown that country into turmoil, the BBC reported.
Fighting has been going on since November 2020, destabilising the populous country in the Horn of Africa, leaving thousands dead with 350 000 others living in famine conditions.
“As far as we know, Namibians are safe; we are in contact with them,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
When asked whether the government was considering repatriating its citizens, she said it was an option.
“We know there are about 18; those who have informed us, but government will do everything to assist them. If the situation demands, it is our responsibility to ensure their return,” the minister said.
This comes as other countries have started repatriating their citizens from Ethiopia - the latest being Zambia, while Canada and the United States have started repatriating non-essential staff while Italy and Denmark have urged their citizens to leave that country while commercial flights are still available.
Get out
“Fellow Zambians, on my orders, we have today safely evacuated our fellow citizens from Ethiopia.
“We thank the Ethiopian authorities for their cooperation and everyone involved in this operation and we pray that the conflict in Ethiopia is resolved as soon as possible,” Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema’s said.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front and its allies are advancing towards the capital, Addis Ababa, the Financial Times reported.
WINDHOEK
International relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government has been assured that Namibians in Ethiopia are safe.
A conflict between the Ethiopian government and forces in its northern Tigray region has thrown that country into turmoil, the BBC reported.
Fighting has been going on since November 2020, destabilising the populous country in the Horn of Africa, leaving thousands dead with 350 000 others living in famine conditions.
“As far as we know, Namibians are safe; we are in contact with them,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
When asked whether the government was considering repatriating its citizens, she said it was an option.
“We know there are about 18; those who have informed us, but government will do everything to assist them. If the situation demands, it is our responsibility to ensure their return,” the minister said.
This comes as other countries have started repatriating their citizens from Ethiopia - the latest being Zambia, while Canada and the United States have started repatriating non-essential staff while Italy and Denmark have urged their citizens to leave that country while commercial flights are still available.
Get out
“Fellow Zambians, on my orders, we have today safely evacuated our fellow citizens from Ethiopia.
“We thank the Ethiopian authorities for their cooperation and everyone involved in this operation and we pray that the conflict in Ethiopia is resolved as soon as possible,” Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema’s said.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front and its allies are advancing towards the capital, Addis Ababa, the Financial Times reported.
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