By AGGREY MUTAMBOMore by this AuthorThe government has said it will proceed with its plans to shut down Dadaab camp even as refugees continue to shun the voluntary repatriation programme started in 2014. DECLINING NUMBERSIn 2013, the three parties had signed a tripartite agreement to source funds, prepare the ground back in Somalia and facilitate the voluntary return of refugees. Today, the camp hosts 210,556 refugees, of which 202,381 are from Somalia. “The Kenya government’s directive to close Dadaab refugee camp complex is an opportunity to pursue durable solutions for the 208,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in the camp,” a spokesperson from the US Embassy in Nairobi said. The donors are emphasising on programmes for self-reliance and “fair solutions” meant to benefit both refugees and local communities.

Source: Daily Nation April 27, 2019 18:11 UTC