Puntland defends the presence of Ethiopians in its regions

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Cabdi Xirsi Cali Qarjab, has defended the presence of Ethiopian people in the Puntland regions, which has been a topic of discussion in recent days.

Minister Qarjab stated that it is not feasible to remove Ethiopian people from the Puntland regions, as thousands of Puntlanders and Somalis, mostly students, are present in Ethiopian territories.

The minister indicated that Puntland will now register the Ethiopian people residing in its regions, recognizing them as refugees.

Minister Qarjab, speaking yesterday at the parliament building, said, “Recently, I received a call from the consul representing us in Ethiopia. He told me there is an outcry coming from Puntland, saying that the Ethiopian people should be sent back. He said, do you know that up to five thousand Puntlanders or those from Somalia are studying in Ethiopia, having graduated from various universities, and also departing?”

“There is no need for a back-and-forth; Puntland is now registering the refugees entering the country,” he added.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Moyale between the Somalis and Oromos, there have been some protests in Somali regions against the Ethiopians.