The government of Ethiopia has announced its intention to investigate the alleged killings of hundreds of Ethiopian migrants at the Yemeni-Saudi border between March 2022 and June 2023. In a tweet on Tuesday, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it would conduct a joint investigation with Saudi authorities, following a report by the US-based human rights group, Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The HRW report, released on Monday, cited eyewitness accounts of attacks by Saudi Arabian border guards on unarmed Ethiopians attempting to cross into Saudi Arabia from Yemen. The attacks were reported to involve the use of machine guns and mortars. The report has raised serious concerns about the treatment of migrants along the perilous route from the Horn of Africa to Saudi Arabia, where hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians live and work.
In response to the allegations, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for restraint and advised against unnecessary speculation until a thorough investigation has been completed. They also emphasized the longstanding relations between Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, a Saudi government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the HRW report as “unfounded and not based on reliable sources.” However, he did not provide any evidence to support this assertion.
The report by HRW has drawn international attention, with the United Nations expressing concern over the allegations. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric acknowledged the seriousness of the claims but highlighted the difficulty of verifying them. The United Nations had previously questioned Saudi Arabia regarding the shooting of migrants, following reports of cross-border artillery shelling and small-arms fire that resulted in the deaths of approximately 430 migrants in southern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen.
The allegations have prompted calls for a transparent and thorough investigation from various nations. The United States, a long-time ally of Saudi Arabia, has urged for the allegations to be fully investigated. Likewise, the European Union has noted its concern over the HRW claims and plans to raise the issue with both Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels, who control strategic parts of Yemen.
Peter Stano, a spokesman for the European Union, welcomed Ethiopia’s decision to conduct a joint investigation with Saudi Arabia and reiterated the importance of addressing the issue comprehensively. He stated that the EU would support the investigation process and ensure that the allegations are thoroughly examined.
The Ethiopian government’s commitment to investigating these serious allegations demonstrates its dedication to upholding human rights and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The joint investigation with Saudi Arabia is a significant step towards addressing the issue and holding those responsible accountable.
As the investigation proceeds, it is hoped that transparency, impartiality, and justice will prevail. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by the HRW report and in ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future. The safety and well-being of all migrants, regardless of their origin, is of utmost importance and should be a priority for all nations involved.
Image Credit: AFP
