Syria moves to repatriate Somali Women and Children linked to ISIS

The Syrian government is reportedly preparing to repatriate foreign nationals, including Somali and Sudanese women and children linked to ISIS fighters, according to human rights groups.

The Roj Camp in northeastern Syria has been a detention centre for wives and children of ISIS members who were defeated during military operations in the country. Authorities are now planning to return some of these families to their countries of origin.

The government in Damascus has reportedly engaged the Somali and Sudanese embassies over the proposed repatriation, with both countries said to have accepted the plan. However, the number of people expected to be repatriated and the timeline for the operation have not been disclosed.

Syria has spent nearly two years engaging countries whose citizens or dual nationals joined ISIS, as well as their relatives, in efforts to facilitate their return.

The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet issued an official statement on the plan, amid questions about where the returnees will be settled, how they will be managed and whether the government is prepared to take responsibility for them.

Human rights organisations have meanwhile called for the postponement of the repatriation of Sudanese nationals, citing ongoing violence and instability in Sudan. They warn that the prevailing security and humanitarian situation could expose the returnees to further risks.

Mustaqbal