afrol News, 11 July - The first return convoy of refugees from Zambia to Angola was seen off today. Some 200,000 Angolan refugees live in Zambia as the first voluntary repatriation convoys start on a 400-kilometres journey home to Angola. But Angola is still not ready to receive all refugees.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today launched a voluntary operation to repatriate Angolan refugees from Zambia – host to nearly half the total number of Angolan refugees in the region.

Convoys from Zambia – home to some 200,000 Angolan refugees – will take returnees to parts of their homeland that meet certain pre-conditions, including a relatively low level of landmines and availability of basic services such as schools, health clinics and potable water.

11 buses were today sent off by the Deputy Minister of Zambia's North–Western Province, Bert Mushala, amid traditional dancing, singing and ululation by the jubilant refugees. As the first buses drove out of the departure area at the camp of 45,000, officials released scores of balloons to symbolise the start of a major operation that should see the return home of more than 20,000 Angolan refugees this year.

The convoy is to travel 400 kilometres to Cazombo, Angola. Many areas of Angola however do not yet have good relocation conditions in place and UNHCR is working with the country's government and other partners to open up more areas for return in the coming months.

- With the start of repatriation from Zambia we now have in place four return routes to Angola, UNHCR spokesperson Kris Janowski said in Geneva.

Mr Janowski said there were two return routes from Congo Kinshasa (DRC) - from the Bas Congo southwards into Mbanza Congo in northern Angola and from Katanga Province to Luau in north–eastern Angola. "We opened up a third route from Namibia into the southern Angola province of Cuando Cubango," he said.

Together with the return from Zambia, nearly 3,000 Angolan refugees have been assisted home from Congo and Namibia since the start of organised return to Angola nearly three weeks ago, according to UNHCR.

The government of Angola further estimates that some 130,000 Angolans already have returned home on their own since last year.

Returnees were to spend their first few days home at a reception centre where they will receive mine awareness training, HIV/AIDS information and medical assistance, where needed, UNHCR said. They will also receive a re-integration package with food rations, a construction kit to assist in building their homes, and basic household supplies.

Zambian Deputy Minister Mushala said living as a refugee was always painful and noted that it was good to finally see the refugees start returning home to build new lives.

- Zambia has been patient and generous with the refugees, Mr Mushala added. "We are now reaping the rewards of our patience and the peace which is prevailing in Angola," he concluded.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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