MOGADISHU – Somalia has directed its nationals stranded in Ukraine to cross over to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary or Moldova following an agreement with the four nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the four countries had allowed safe passage for Somalis who are still in Ukraine. The directive follows an ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which has since claimed hundreds of lives.
The Ministry further noted Somali embassies in Berlin and Brussels were in ‘constant communication’ with the 280 Somali nationals in Ukraine.
The response from the government follows reports that people of African descent were being denied to leave Ukraine or not given consideration to leave the country.
The African Union yesterday called for the safe passage of Africans noting everyone had the right to safe exit regardless of their origins.
‘All people have the right to cross international borders during the conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity” the chairman of the African Union and Chair of the AU Commission Macky Sall and Moussa Mahamat respectively said in a joint statement.
Talks between Ukraine and Russia started on Monday.