Somaliland targets undocumented Ethiopians

HARGEISA, Somalia - Police in the breakaway region of Somaliland have initiated a crackdown against illegal immigrants, targeting Ethiopians who are staying in the region without authorization based on international regulations and standards.

This comes after the neighbouring state of Puntland expelled over 1000 undocumented Ethiopians following an ongoing crackdown against ISIS militants in Bosaso and Garowe. The region has initiated the war against violent extremists.

On Sunday, police activated a crackdown against the illegal migrants within Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, signifying intense scrutiny. The crackdown was meant to "arrest Ethiopians who are in Somaliland illegally."

While many Ethiopians hold refugee cards, visas, or work permits, authorities say a significant number enter the region unlawfully each year. Somaliland runs its operations without much dependency on the federal government of Somalia.

Most of those who would face the crackdown are Ethiopians of the Oromia ethnic group working in "low-income jobs such as car washing." The region hosts thousands of foreign nationals working in different disciplines.

In Puntland, a Federal State in northeastern Somalia, authorities have also intensified crackdowns on "undocumented migrants," citing security concerns. Officials have linked some foreigners to the "ISIS faction operating in the Bari region."

Somalia is currently battling violent extremism, but the federal government has struggled to work with regional states, highlighting a huge gap in terms of security. In Puntland, the federal government is yet to deploy its support to supplement the regional troops.

The breakaway region of Somaliland has been fighting for international recognition, but the response has been underwhelming. Many nations treat it based on the 'united Somalia policy'.

GAROWE ONLINE