Mogadishu (AX) — It was an emotional scene at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Monday. The air was filled with a mix of relief, joy, and introspection as 145 Somali citizens arrived back home. For nearly a year, each of these individuals had been detained under dire conditions in Libya. Their return marks yet another chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the Somali government and international partners striving to dismantle the perilous networks that trap migrants in North Africa.
The recently repatriated group, primarily composed of young men, was welcomed warmly by Somali government officials. Representatives from various international humanitarian organizations were also present. It was a stark reminder that these men had endured unimaginable hardships—physical abuse, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient medical care—during their time in Libyan detention centers.
These individuals, many of whom were driven to desperation under the iron fist of human traffickers known as Magafe, shared their stories. One young man intently spoke to reporters, “I decided to come back after witnessing several of my friends die in prison. We suffered a lot, but I’m grateful to be home.” His sentiment echoed a common theme of resilience and survival among the returnees.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Issaq Mahmoud Mursal, who was at the forefront of their reception at the airport, spoke passionately about the government’s commitment. “We are devoted to retrieving any Somali national caught in the treacherous pathways of illegal migration,” Mursal asserted, emphasizing the nation’s proactive stance. He further added, “And we’re ramping up awareness to deter our youth from falling prey to traffickers.”
Reiterating the government’s focus, Mursal stated, “Our government is working hard to return Somalis trapped in difficult situations due to illegal migration. It’s imperative that we not only bring back those who are caught in these harrowing circumstances but also fortify our community’s understanding. We hope to curb the dangerous allure of treacherous routes that jeopardize lives and deplete resources.”
These migrants embarked on their journeys fueled by the hope of escaping poverty and instability within Somalia. Their objective was simple: reach Europe by crossing the formidable Mediterranean. Yet, Libya, a nation gripped by chaos since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has transformed into a perilous choke point for migrants. It’s a nesting ground for human traffickers who exploit the vulnerabilities of migrants from the Horn of Africa.
Amid these challenges, a pivotal question emerges: What drives so many to risk everything for uncertain promises? The Somali government, with backing from the European Union, the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UNHCR, is diligently addressing the driving forces behind irregular migration, like poverty and unemployment. Starting in late 2023, Somalia has successfully brought back over 800 citizens from Libya. This tremendous feat is facilitated by monthly flights under the auspices of the EU-funded Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Those returning to Somali soil under the Voluntary Humanitarian Returns (VHR) program are not abandoned to navigate life alone. They receive immediate support: medical evaluations, temporary accommodations, and modest financial aid. Though reintegration poses formidable challenges—as the scars of trauma linger–the government is committed to bolstering job training and psychosocial services, offering a lifeline to those seeking to reclaim normalcy.
The road to healing and adaptation may be long, yet the human spirit, as we have witnessed, is indomitable. These Somali citizens returned not only to their nation but to a community striving for a future free of trafficking snares. Their resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of freedom and the importance of nurturing hope, one life at a time.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
