State Radio ELBC has confirmed that the first group of Liberians requesting voluntary repatriation from South Africa has safely arrived home via the Robert International Airport. Seventeen of the twenty-nine citizens seeking assistance returned through the Roberts International Airport, where they were received by officials of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission, headed by Executive Director Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Liberia and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Cllr. Bangalu assured the returnees that the government is working to reunite them with their families and support their reintegration into society. He also disclosed that arrangements are ongoing to bring back the remaining Liberians who have requested voluntary repatriation.
One of the returnees, Alexander Saytonneh, expressed relief and joy at returning home. He said they endured difficult conditions in Durban, South Africa, one of the cities affected by the recent xenophobic attacks. Saytonneh and the other returnees thanked the Government of Liberia, the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission, and President Boakai for facilitating their safe return.
LRRRC says more Liberians are expected to arrive in the coming days as the government continues efforts to assist citizens affected by the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa. The first 17 of 29 Liberians who requested voluntary repatriation from South Africa amid recent xenophobic attacks arrived in the country yesterday through the Roberts International Airport.
Welcoming the returnees on behalf of the Government of Liberia and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Cllr. Bangalu said all modalities are being worked out to ensure the returnees are reunited with their families and properly integrated back into Liberian society. He disclosed that others are expected to be brought back as arrangements continue.
One of the returnees, Alexander Saytonneh, expressed happiness to be back home, saying they were distressed while in Durban, South Africa, which he described as one of the cities affected by the recent attacks.
Saytonneh and other returnees expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia, the LRRRC, and President Boakai for intervening to facilitate their safe return. The LRRRC says additional Liberians are expected to be repatriated as the government continues efforts to assist citizens affected by the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa
