The US has repatriated Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi, the longest-held detainee at Guantanamo Bay, to Tunisia, as announced by the Pentagon on Monday. This transfer marks a significant moment in a broader effort by the Biden administration to reduce the prison's population, previously housing around 40 prisoners when Biden took office in 2020. Al-Yazidi, aged 59, had been held at the facility since its opening on January 11, 2002, yet he was never charged with a crime.

The repatriation process took considerable time, with al-Yazidi being designated as eligible for transfer as early as 2007. According to reports, he was accused of being a member of al-Qaeda based on assessments from the US military, yet these claims have been criticized by human rights organizations as unreliable. In January 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin notified Congress of his intent to support this repatriation, demonstrating a commitment to facilitating a resolution even as negotiations with Tunisia took years to finalize.

Al-Yazidi's transfer is notable as it is the fourth in just two weeks, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the concerning situation at Guantanamo, which has become a symbol of human rights abuses in the post-9/11 era. There are currently 26 detainees remaining at the facility, with 14 classified as eligible for transfer and an additional three under periodic review. Many detainees, although cleared for release, have faced prolonged waiting periods due to the complexities surrounding their repatriation and the reticence of potential host nations to accept them back.

As the US aims to close Guantanamo Bay, al-Yazidi’s long-overdue return to Tunisia represents a step forward, yet significant challenges remain. Historical context underscores the difficulties in resolving the fates of Guantanamo’s detainees. For decades, the prison has operated under a military commission system that often lacks the legal protections available in traditional courts. The plight of detainees such as al-Yazidi raises critical questions about justice and accountability in the context of the US's response to terrorism.

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