Mogadishu, Somalia – Today, 147 Somali migrants who were stranded in Libya have returned to Somalia, following a large-scale operation jointly conducted by the Federal Government of Somalia, the European Union (EU), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to a press release from IOM, the aircraft carrying the migrants first landed in Hargeisa, where 31 individuals disembarked, before continuing to Mogadishu to deliver the remaining 116 people. They were welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu by government officials and the EU Ambassador to Somalia.
The Federal Government of Somalia, in collaboration with the EU and IOM, stated that they are working to repatriate Somali citizens who are in distress in Libya in a dignified and humane manner. The government described this initiative as a demonstration of their firm decision to safeguard its citizens, promising that all Somalis needing support will be repatriated and assisted.
The EU Ambassador to Somalia highlighted that the return of these migrants is a clear example of the strong cooperation between the European Union, the Somali Federal Government, and IOM to save the lives of Somali citizens facing harsh conditions in Libya.
As reported by IOM, a total of 844 Somali migrants have been repatriated so far through this program, which fully supports their reintegration into Somali society. This initiative is part of the broader Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) efforts under the Protection, Return, and Reintegration of Migrants in the Horn of Africa (MPRR-SSA) program.
IOM also disclosed that there are still over 1,300 Somali migrants stranded inside Libya, facing severe hardships such as food shortages, lack of shelter, and security issues, which increase their vulnerability. The Federal Government of Somalia and international organizations are vigorously working to rescue these citizens.
IOM added that returning migrants to Somalia are provided with immediate cash assistance to cover their basic needs, temporary housing, and healthcare services including mental and psychological health care. Transportation is also provided to relocate individuals to their families outside Mogadishu, facilitating their smooth reintegration into the community.
4