Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia investigate allegations of killing migrants

The Ethiopian government has announced that it will conduct a joint investigation with Saudi Arabia, following a report by Human Rights Watch that accused Saudi border guards of killing hundreds of Ethiopian immigrants.

"The Ethiopian government will immediately conduct an investigation into the matter in cooperation with the Saudi authorities," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement published on the X social network (formerly Twitter).

"At this very important stage, it is strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary statements until the investigation is complete," the ministry said, adding that "the two countries, despite this unfortunate tragedy, have a long-standing and good relationship."

In a report, Human Rights Watch accused Saudi border guards of firing heavily and using explosive weapons to kill Ethiopian migrants who were trying to cross from Yemen into the kingdom between March 2022 and June 2023.

A Saudi government source told Agence France-Presse that the accusations are baseless and not based on reliable sources.

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