The long-awaited repatriation of an estimated number of 4,300 stranded Liberian refugees in Ghana is on the horizon, marking a significant step towards closure for those who fled their country during the civil war era.
Following the demolition of the Buduburam Camp, which served as a temporary haven for many, preparations are now underway for their safe return to Liberia.
A delegation from the Liberian government, spearheaded by the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), is.expected to arrive in Ghana on Monday, May 12, 2024. Comprising representatives from key ministries including Foreign Affairs, Information, Gender, and Broadcasting, the delegation will spend three days finalizing arrangements before accompanying the stranded Liberians back to their homeland.
The Executive Director of LRRRC, Patrick T. Worzie emphasizes the importance of this repatriation effort, highlighting the opportunity for Liberians to rebuild their lives and contribute to the nation’s development.
The LRRRC Boss also extended gratitude to the Ghanaian government and people for their support throughout the process. Acknowledgment was also given to the Ivory Coast government for facilitating the safe passage of Liberian refugees crossing their borders.
Many of these individuals have endured years of displacement, hesitant to return home due to lingering concerns such as housing shortages and fears of encountering past traumas.
The Liberian civil war, which claimed the lives of over 200,000 people and left countless others scarred by violence, officially ended in 2003 with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord.
Despite subsequent efforts to promote stability and democracy, some Liberians remained abroad, clinging to the safety of refugee camps like Buduburam..While the UN declared it safe for refugees to return home in 2006, the transition has been gradual, with many opting to stay in Buduburam due to lingering trauma and lack of support networks.
With the withdrawal of UNHCR-administered services in 2010, the camp’s closure became inevitable, prompting intensified efforts to facilitate repatriation.
Upon their arrival in Liberia, the returning refugees will undergo counseling and temporary accommodation at the Regional Transit Center in CARI, Bong County, before reintegrating into their respective communities.
The Liberian government through LRRRC However appealed for support from humanitarian organizations and NGOs to ensure a smooth and successful repatriation process, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in aiding vulnerable populations rebuild their lives and futures.
