Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hargeisa (Agenzia Fides) - The continuing unrest and xenophobia present in Yemen have increased the returns of refugees in Somalia. There are about 6000 of those who have returned back, crossing the Red Sea since the beginning of October. According to sources from the Ministry of Interior of Somaliland, in the last two months about 400 families of this independent state from the rest of Somalia since 1991, and 600 Somali families, have returned to Somaliland. Despite the turmoil, thousands of Africans continue the dangerous crossing in the opposite direction, towards Yemen, many fleeing not only from conflict but also for the widespread food crisis that affects central and southern Somalia. According to local entrepreneurs, about 15 000 head of cattle to Yemen were exported each month from Somaliland, while now only one third and this has caused a sharp reduction in income. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 02/12/2011)
