Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), has intensified its efforts to repatriate Somali migrants stranded abroad.
This comes amid a series of tragic incidents and ongoing humanitarian challenges affecting Somali citizens attempting irregular migration.
The latest operations have seen migrants returned from Libya, Yemen, Tunisia, and Madagascar, where recent boat accidents claimed at least 24 lives. In Madagascar, 48 survivors rescued by local fishermen were successfully returned to Somalia after the government dispatched a plane to facilitate their repatriation.
In Sudan, Somalia's Acting Ambassador, Ahmed Sudani on Sunday oversaw the departure of 22 Somali youth from Port Sudan Airport following their release from detention.
The group, comprising 17 young men and 5 young women, had been held for three months in facilities located in Dongola and Gadaref after being apprehended during their attempts to migrate irregularly.
The IOM's Portsudan office, working in coordination with Somali authorities, played a key role in securing their release. However, three Somali youths remain in Sudanese custody as investigations continue. Officials anticipate their release soon, after which they too will be repatriated to Somalia.
The Somali Embassy in Sudan expressed deep gratitude for the joint efforts of international and local organizations. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Somali citizens in distress and advocating for their safety and welfare.
The tragic circumstances underscore the desperate risks many migrants face while seeking better opportunities in Europe and the United States. Some returnees reported severe hardships, including torture in Libyan prisons, which left a few with permanent disabilities.
As Somalia continues its coordinated efforts with IOM, UNHCR, and other partners, the government remains focused on addressing the root causes of migration, while ensuring the safety and dignity of its citizens abroad.
