OPERATIONS AGAINST NON COMPLIANT REFUGEES CONTINUE IN KISORO

By Byamukama Libino
KISORO

Security personnel in Kisoro district, led by the Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Shafiq Sekandi are continuing to flash out Congolese Asylum seekers, who are illegally living among host communities along the borderline with Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

A concerted effort that was earlier this week, permitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Minister of Security saw more than 18,000 Congolese who had encamped themselves in Kibaya, along the borderline with DRC removed by Security.

A large number of Congolese, consciously decided to make their way to the Nyakabande transit camp, some 12 Kms in-land into Kisoro district.

While others opted to head back home, via Mupaka border in Busanza Sub County towards Rutshuru, North Kivu.

Sekandi says, the operations are yielding positive results.

He however noted that some of the Congolese being intercepted in buildings are asking for more time because of the rent money they have already parted with.

Sekandi says, their requests cannot be acknowledged because they are illegally living in another country and are unwilling to follow the laws, including the internationally recognized refugee act.

According to the refugee act, no alien or foreigner fleeing a country of origin for political reasons must start 50 Kms to the border of the country they are fleeing from.

Congolese Asylum seekers, have for the last six months been living close to the DR. Congo border in Bunagana town council, Rukundo town council, Muramba, Nyarubuye and Busanza in hopes of returning home soon.