Elwak Mothers Resolve to Halt Rising Tide of Illegal Youth Migration

24 November 2025 - On Monday, women from the twin border towns of Elwak in Kenya and Elwak in Somalia united in a powerful cross-border gathering to confront the escalating crisis of tahriib – the deadly illegal migration of young people through perilous routes.

For years, governments, working closely with local communities across the region, have been striving to dismantle illegal migration networks that follow a well-established route through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Tripoli before reaching Europe.

During the meeting, the women highlighted the devastating impact of human trafficking networks - including magafe and muqalas - on families and communities.

Magafe refer to people, who lure young people and end up kidnaping these trafficking migrants. Magafe is a criminal network that human rights defenders claim it operates mainly from Libya.

Muqalas on the other hand, refer to people who help young people travel by guiding them through the journey.

Women shared heartbreaking personal stories of young people who had been recruited, abducted, or injured while attempting to migrate abroad, underscoring the severe human cost of these perilous journeys.

One mother tearfully recounted losing her son to magafe violence in Libya, while another described how her 17-year-old son was rescued from a similar fate with the help of the local community.

In Elwak, Mandera South, more than 30% of young people are risking their lives in search of what they believe will be better opportunities abroad.

In the past two years alone, over 100 young people have attempted irregular migration through unsafe routes.

Ms Habiba Sheikh Ali from Elwak, Kenya, expressed deep concern about the growing trend.

“As mothers, we must remain vigilant. We need to stay close to our children and guide them so they can build a better life here without risking death on dangerous routes,” said Ms Habiba.