Somaliland bans Somali refugees fleeing Yemen from entering their territories

Mogadishu (Harar24) – The breakaway state of Somaliland has halted accepting Somali refugees fleeing to their land from the ongoing Yemeni conflict, according to a senior official within their government.

Somaliland’s Interior Minister, Ali Waran ‘Adde, in a news conference with the media stated that they won’t be allowing Somali refugees from Yemen into their country anymore due to lack of support and security concerns.

 
“It is well known that we used to welcome Somali refugees from Yemen into our country, however due to lack of support from aid agencies and the international community we’re forced to cease accepting any further Somali refugees into our country. Starting from tomorrow we’ll send them back” Waran ‘Adde told the media.

The Interior Minister also cited that “heightened security concerns” was another driving factor in sending the Somali refugees back.

 
The self-claimed Somaliland which seceded from Somalia in 1991, views Somalis hailing from regions outside of their control as non-citizens and foreigners.

 
Since the conflict in Yemen between the Iranian allied Houthi militias and the Saudi led coalition erupted many Somalis fled the country seeking refuge at coastal towns in Somaliland and Puntland. It’s believed that this decision could affect the lives of many Somalis who are still seeking to escape the violence in Yemen.