Mogadishu, Somalia – A total of 161 Somali migrants, who had been illegally detained by human traffickers in Libya, were successfully repatriated to Somalia today. The returnees, the majority of whom are young people, arrived at Mogadishu’s International Airport after enduring harrowing experiences in Libyan prisons.
Of the 161 returnees, 74 are originally from Hargeisa, Somaliland, while 87 are from the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The repatriation marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to address the plight of Somali migrants caught in Libya’s detention centers, where they are often held under inhumane conditions by traffickers.
Key figures including Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somali Ambassador to Libya Abdi Adan Diriye, and the Special Envoy of the President of the Federal Government for Migrants and Children’s Rights, Maryam Yassin, were present at the airport to receive the returnees. Also in attendance were officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the European Union’s Ambassador to Somalia, Karen, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the repatriation.
The European Union covered the transportation costs involved in bringing the migrants back to Somalia, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between the EU and Somalia to address the migration crisis.
In a brief speech at the reception, Minister Fiqi welcomed the returnees, telling them they were “lucky to return home unscathed.” He highlighted the harsh conditions many Somali migrants face as they attempt to reach Europe and other western countries, often enduring perilous journeys through deserts and detention camps in Libya.
“The country has abundant resources, from minerals to oil and gas, along with the longest coastline in Africa,” Minister Fiqi added. He encouraged the returnees to have confidence in Somalia’s future and to reintegrate into society with optimism.
The Foreign Minister also expressed gratitude to IOM and UNHCR for their collaboration in organizing the safe return of Somali migrants, as well as to the European Union for its support in covering the transportation expenses.
This repatriation comes as part of Somalia’s broader effort to address migration challenges and ensure the safe return of citizens trapped in difficult conditions abroad. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling human trafficking and supporting vulnerable migrants.
