Somaliland authorities initiate deportation campaign against undocumented Ethiopian migrants amid heightened security concerns.
Somaliland has begun a deportation campaign targeting undocumented Ethiopian migrants, with police seen patrolling market areas in Hargeisa on Sunday. The move comes shortly after Puntland, another regional state, deported over 1,000 Ethiopian nationals from towns such as Garowe and Bosaso.
Many Ethiopians residing in Somaliland have proper documentation, including refugee cards, visas, or work permits, but a significant number live in the region unlawfully. Many of the migrants belong to the Oromo ethnic group and work in low-income jobs such as car washing, while some resort to begging to survive.
Somaliland authorities have not officially commented on the ongoing deportation efforts, but the crackdown is seen as part of broader regional security measures. Puntland has similarly ramped up deportations, citing concerns over foreign nationals potentially joining the ISIS faction operating in the Bari region, and has conducted military operations against ISIS in the Al-Miskaat mountains.
The region’s heightened security measures aim to address both migrant concerns and the growing threat of extremist groups.
