Oromo youths return to Ethiopia

Around 200 students are believed to have returned so far (Pic: UNHCR)

Ethiopian students who fled to Kenya in recent weeks have started to return home, the UN's refugee agency said.

The UNHCR said it had received reassurances from the Ethiopian government that nothing would happen to them on their return.

About 700 young people of the Oromo ethnic group had fled across the border, complaining of persecution.

Almost 200 have returned so far. The UNHCR says any who prefer to remain will be moved to refugee camps.

Ethiopia's government had alleged that the separatist Oromo Liberation Front falsely promised scholarships to the students. The group has denied this claim.