A group of 73 Angolan nationals, including minors and their mothers, were repatriated to Angola on Tuesday afternoon.
The children and their mothers were temporarily accommodated at the Ondangwa National Youth Service Centre before their repatriation.
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security executive director Etienne Maritz in a media statement on Tuesday said a significant step was taken when the concerned individuals were handed over to the Angolan authorities for their safe return to Angola.
The situation arose due to the distressing circumstances surrounding the presence of minor children in various towns across Namibia, where they were observed engaging in the sale of wooden products.
“The process of their safe return home began with their transportation to Oshikango. Subsequently, arrangements have been made for them to be transported by the Angolan authorities stationed at Oshikango, thereby ensuring their safe return to their respective places in Angola,” Maritz said.
He added that the government reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals in Namibia, including migrant children and their families.
“This collaborative effort with the Angolan authorities underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.
The Namibian government extends its appreciation and gratitude to the Angolan authorities for their cooperation in this matter and their commitment to reintegrating the children and mothers in their communities in Angola,” he said.
The ministry urged the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking or exploitation of children to the relevant authorities in order to protect children’s rights as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Child Care and Protection Act, the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, as well as a number of laws applicable in Namibia.
ABOUT THEM
The group, belonging to the Mwila tribe, have been migrating to Namibia looking for food and better living conditions since the beginning of 2021.
Southern Angola at the time experienced poor rainfall for about four years, which resulted in water, crop and pasture shortages, as well as livestock losses.
They have been selling wooden items and cooking spoons at traffic lights and different shopping malls in various towns.
A group of 1 300 Angolan nationals were repatriated from Etunda village in the Omusati region to Angola in January 2022.
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