The rise in targeted killings of Ethiopian migrants by Saudi border officials highlights the brutality of efforts to stop irregular migration, and the desperation of those who make the perilous journeys. This can lead to human trafficking, with migrants subjected to abuse and exploitation, including rape and torture. The abuse sometimes starts in Ethiopia and is perpetrated by Ethiopian traffickers en route to Saudi Arabia. Tesfaye was part of the multisectoral task force that travelled to Saudi Arabia to coordinate the immigrants’ return. This missed opportunity undermines investigations into the criminal value chain of illegal transactions, corruption and extortion en route to Saudi Arabia.

Source: Ethiopian News September 14, 2023 15:50 UTC