31 Oct 2013

The last formal large-scale repatriation of Angolan refugees has ceased.

A press release from the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security has stated that the last group comprising of 199 Angolans left Dukwi Refugee Camp yesterday and was put up in Shakawe before proceeding to Angola through Namibia.

The repatriation followed Declaration of the Cessation of refugee status with regard to Angolan refugees issued on July 1.  Botswana had been in collaboration with Angola, UNHCR and other relevant partners to proactively pursue all feasible measures to facilitate the repatriation of affected Angolan refugees to their home country in safety and dignity.

The release said on September 4, the first group of former Angolan refugees was repatriated to their country of origin adding that was about six families at a total of 21 individuals.

The second group comprising of 51 families, which is 178 individuals in total, were repatriated on October 11. The release further stated that the ministry appreciated role played by key stakeholders in the exercise by to ensuring that Angolans were returned in safety and dignity.  ENDS