A government mission from Burkina Faso has traveled to Mali to organize the repatriation of thousands of Burkinabe youths who were deported from Guinea. According to the RTB, the youths had found refuge at the Burkina Faso embassy in Mali. The mission, led by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, aims to provide assistance and comfort to the deported youths while preparing their return to Burkina Faso in dignified and secure conditions.
The deportation of the Burkinabe youths from Guinea was sparked by the Guinean government's decision to suspend artisanal gold mining in several areas and deploy armed forces to the regions. This move led to the forced deportation of thousands of Burkinabe nationals who were working in the gold mining sector. The situation has been described as deplorable, with reports of injuries and cruel treatment of the deported youths.
Minister Mahamadou Sana explained that the government mission was mandated by the President and Prime Minister of Burkina Faso to assess the situation, identify problems, and provide necessary assistance to the deported youths. The mission also aims to organize the repatriation of the youths in a dignified and secure manner. According to Sana, the Malian authorities have already taken emergency measures to provide humanitarian assistance to the Burkinabe youths.
The government of Burkina Faso has made arrangements for the repatriation of the deported youths, including mobilizing buses to transport them back to their homeland. Sana reported that around 100 buses have been mobilized, with 50 already en route to facilitate the repatriation process. The government has also identified reception sites on Burkinabe territory to facilitate the return of the youths to their families.
The Security Minister expressed regret over the circumstances leading to the deportation, describing the events as unfortunate and regrettable. He noted that the operation was launched without proper planning, evaluation of consequences, or notification to the Malian or Burkinabe authorities. This lack of planning and communication has led to the current situation, with many Burkinabe youths facing hardship and uncertainty.
The situation has also raised concerns about the treatment of the deported youths, with reports of injuries and cruel treatment. Minister Sana deplored the situation, stating that it is regrettable that Burkinabe nationals were subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment. The government of Burkina Faso has pledged to provide support and assistance to the deported youths as they return home.
The repatriation process is expected to begin soon, with the government working to ensure a smooth and secure return of the Burkinabe youths. The situation highlights the need for better coordination and communication between governments to prevent such humanitarian crises in the future. The Burkinabe government has urged its citizens to remain calm and has promised to provide support to those affected.
Key points
- The Burkinabe government has sent a mission to Mali to organize the repatriation of thousands of youths deported from Guinea.
- The deportation was sparked by Guinea's suspension of artisanal gold mining and deployment of armed forces to the regions.
- The repatriation process is expected to begin soon, with the government working to ensure a smooth and secure return of the Burkinabe youths.