Growing Allegations of Human Trafficking Involving Somali Officials

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – In recent developments that have cast a shadow over the Somali federal government, allegations of human trafficking involving senior officials are sparking significant concern. Imagine a delegation of 23 esteemed members traveling from Somalia to Geneva for a prestigious international conference—yet, only 11 individuals make their way back.

According to records from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Somali delegation, led by Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Yusuf Mohamed Adan, participated in the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference. The event took place at the United Nations headquarters from June 2 to 13, 2025.

Surprisingly, official attendance logs, supported by the ILO Somalia office, reveal an unsettling fact: nearly half the delegates were mysteriously absent. Can you fathom a scenario where eight individuals never even graced the conference halls, missing out on vital discussions and insights?

Raising eyebrows further, of the 23 who secured visas through the Swiss Embassy in Nairobi, 12 have vanished, leaving no trace of their presence in Geneva.

Addressing the situation, Minister Yusuf reacted with unexpected hostility. “We know those who reported this matter and we will go after them,” he declared, turning the focus on journalists and critics rather than offering clear explanations. What happens when media becomes the target in the quest for truth and transparency?

Following reports that some individuals allegedly paid up to $10,000 to secure a position in the delegation just to obtain a visa and leave for Europe, online indignation reached new heights. A photo published by the Ministry of Labour confirmed the unsettling truth—only 11 delegates returned to Mogadishu.

“Of those who received visas under the government’s name, only 10 even showed up for the event,” said Mohamed Osman, president of the Somali Trade Union Congress. His voice reflected the embarrassment felt as word spread about the absent delegates. Notably, even the minister himself left the conference prematurely.

In a move that seemed more reactive than thoughtful, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on June 18 labeling the media’s reporting as “misinformation.” This act of deflection was compounded by the absence of any response to discrepancies in the May 13 visa endorsement letter, which should have authorized only 17 travelers.

Complicating the scandal further are reports suggesting Minister Yusuf’s wife and child were trafficked to the Netherlands before the Geneva trip. In Amsterdam, two Somali asylum seekers shared with reporters that the minister’s family is now seeking refuge there.

“It is shameful that both the Ministries of Labour and Foreign Affairs are refusing to show accountability while threatening journalists and citizens instead,” declared Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary-General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). Such words strike deeply at the heart of a society yearning for openness and integrity.

Recent tragic incidents echo with grim reminders of the human cost associated with trafficking. Media reports from late May confirm the drowning of at least 20 Somali migrants attempting to reach Spain. Imagine the sorrow that drapes families as loved ones perish at sea, their dreams snuffed out.

The ongoing war in Sudan has redirected trafficking routes through regions like Algeria, Egypt, and Italy, often using fraudulent documents. Alarmingly, Somalia’s government faces repeated accusations of abusing diplomatic channels for trafficking purposes.

Consider the disgrace when last year, we reported on disappearances involving Somalia’s Ministry of Health during official visits to Geneva and New York. Misuse of government resources for illegal migration has become a recurring theme.

In Ireland, a Somali diplomat was charged with trafficking women, while at home, three young girls were intercepted at Mogadishu airport. Their travel was arranged through exploitative means, bound for a treacherous journey across the Sahara.

Consequently, countries like Italy and Turkey have suspended visa services for Somali citizens due to the pervasive misuse of diplomatic channels.

But human trafficking is but one element of the broader corrupt practices undermining Somalia’s governance. Ministries, including Health, Information, and Energy, face allegations of embezzling funds and misappropriating national resources. Despite public outcry, accountability remains elusive, festering a deeper crisis in governance across Somalia.

What does the future hold for a nation grappling with such challenges? When will accountability and justice prevail to restore faith in public institutions?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.