WARSAW (Somaliguardian) – Dozens of Somali nationals have fled Ukraine into neighboring Poland since Russian invasion begun on Thursday, the leader of Somali diaspora community in Poland said on Sunday.
Eli Abdi, in an interview with Universal TV, said a number of Somali nationals are still stranded in Ukraine where fighting between Russian forces and Ukrainian army continues for the fifth days. Thousands of African students have also been trapped by the conflict there.
On Saturday, Somali government said it had contacted Ukraine’s neighbors, requesting safe passage, visa and COVID restriction waivers for its nationals. In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, most of Ukraine’s neighbors had responded positively to its request.
“The embassies of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Berlin and Brussels have been in contact with a large number of Somalis who are currently en route to Poland, and with others who have already arrived safely in Poland and Belgium,” Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“The online registration process of Somali nationals is currently ongoing and we urge Somalis across Ukraine to get in touch with their nearest embassies in order to receive consular services and advice.”
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