Somalia repatriates 174 migrants from Libya after detention, abuse

Friday April 24, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia brought home 174 young nationals from Libya on Thursday in a government-led repatriation effort aimed at rescuing citizens trapped abroad, many of them after facing detention, abuse and difficult conditions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the return operation is part of continuing efforts to assist Somalis in distress and reduce the dangers linked to irregular migration and human trafficking networks.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hassan Mohamed Ali received the returnees at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, where officials said immediate humanitarian support was provided after what they described as an extended period of hardship in Libya.

On arrival, the group received medical attention, temporary accommodation and psychosocial support, while plans were made to link them to longer-term reintegration assistance through national programs.

The ministry said the repatriation underscores the government’s commitment to protecting Somalis abroad and addressing the root causes of irregular migration by creating more opportunities inside the country.

The operation was led by the Department of Diaspora Affairs in coordination with the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Migration, with support from the International Organization for Migration, the European Union Delegation to Somalia and the Somali Embassy in Libya.

Libya continues to serve as a key transit route for African migrants trying to reach Europe, where many are exposed to exploitation, detention and abuse by traffickers and armed groups.