Somalis are the second largest group of Africans perishing trying to cross the Mediterranean and the closure of the Dadaab camp, the world’s largest refugee settlement, will only add to the migration crisis in Europe as many of those displaced will make their way to European shores, aid organisations have warned.
A week ago, the Kenyan government announced its plans to close the camp, home to between 330,000 and 350,000 refugees of which over 95% are Somalis, within a year describing it as an economic burden and a “breeding ground” for terrorism. The Ministry of the Interior also disbanded the Department of Refugee Affairs (DRA), which delivers crucial administrative services for refugees and asylum seekers, and plays a vital role in the current voluntary repatriation process of refugees.