By Stephanie M. Duncan
MONROVIA – The Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has repatriated the first batch of Liberians who voluntarily requested to return home due to fears over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The first group of 17 returnees, out of a total of 29 Liberians, arrived at the Roberts International Airport on Wednesday at 2:35 p.m. aboard Ethiopian Airlines. They were received by LRRRC Executive Director, Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu.
Speaking upon their arrival, Cllr. Bangalu welcomed the returnees and encouraged them to remain hopeful, assuring them that the Government of Liberia is committed to helping them rebuild their lives and restore their hope.
He disclosed that the remaining Liberians are expected to return in a second batch in the coming days.
One of the returnees, Alexander Saytonneh, recounted the impact of the xenophobic violence, saying he lost his businesses during the attacks and described the ordeal as traumatic.
Saytonneh also revealed that his son, who is currently in the 12th grade, will return to Liberia after completing secondary school in South Africa. He added that his wife is a Zimbabwean national.
The repatriation effort forms part of the Liberian government’s response to the safety concerns of its citizens affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.
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