164 Somali migrants who were stuck in Libya returned safely to Mogadishu today, as part of a series of joint efforts between Somalia, the European Union (EU), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the organization UNHCR refugees.
55 of the repatriated people were taken to Hargeisa, while 109 remained in Mogadishu.
Many of the migrants who have returned to the country have faced harsh conditions in prisons in Libya, a popular route for migrants trying to reach Europe.
One of the young people who spoke about their return said, “I am happy to return to the motherland of Somalia. We hope to improve our lives here. I advise Somali youths to avoid going to foreign countries like Libya, because we have suffered there.”
The government of Somalia has said that it is working hard to deal with the migration of young people, saying that this latest repatriation is part of efforts to bring back citizens who are stuck abroad.
“This is an important step to ensure the safety and future of our citizens,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Fiqi.
Libya has long been a gateway for Somali migrants who want to reach Europe.
However, the collapse of Libya has worsened the situation of migrants, leading to an increase in the kidnapping, extortion and detention of migrants, including Somalis.