The UN has finally bowed to pressure and accented to Kenya’s plan to repatriate refugees amid criticism from a section of the international community.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed said that a Wednesday private meeting held in Brussels saw the two agree to cooperate in resettling the refugees with dignity.
Speaking at the Sheraton Brussels Hotel in the Belgium city, the CS further revealed that UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon had understood Kenya’s grounds, which spun from insecurity to heavy financial burdens accrued in hosting the refugees.
“The UN Secretary General said he understands Kenya’s decision to close the refugee camp…. It is now an internationally accepted fact that the closure of the Dadaab Refugee Camp is going to be done and the refugees have said they are not opposed to it,” said Ms Mohammed.
These developments come at a time Kenya has received criticism locally and from the international community over its sudden decision to close the Dadaab Camp without considering the future of the people.
The stance by the world organisation will now improve Kenya’s international repute especially after the UNHCR had earlier differed with Nairobi over the issue.
Kenya however called on the UN to provide additional funding for the exercise as the whole process posed a huge financial burden on the country.
The repatriation scheme is expected to cost about Sh11 billion but at present, only Sh720 million has been raised by donors.