The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Somalia has successfully repatriated 145 citizens from the Libyan cities of Tripoli and Sebha, returning them to their homes in Mogadishu and Hargeisa. This operation, executed on Monday, was facilitated through collaboration between Somalia’s government, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the EU Migrant Protection, Return & Reintegration program in North Africa (Jurist). This initiative is a part of Somalia’s broader effort to address migration challenges.
The individuals repatriated primarily consisted of youth who had experienced severe hardships in Libya, including torture, abuse, and human trafficking, as reported by local news. The EU-IOM Joint Initiative’s role in this process is instrumental, providing both financial and administrative support to migrants opting to return to their home countries. This aligns with the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programs, aiming at sustainable reintegration of migrants into their communities.
This repatriation effort is part of a consistent strategy by Somalia’s Ministry to address the plight of its citizens abroad. In December 2024, a similar operation brought back 161 youths from Libya, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of its citizens overseas. The Ministry continues to emphasize this dedication, as reiterated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on their official social media channels.
Meanwhile, the IOM has also been active in repatriating migrants from Libya to various countries, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, and the Gambia, marking a broader regional effort to tackle migration issues (IOM Libya).