Somali Government Rescues and Repatriates Youth from Libya

The Federal Government of Somalia has successfully rescued and repatriated over 20 Somali youth, predominantly young men, who were stranded in Libya and facing various challenges. Maryam Yassin Hajji Yusuf, the Special Envoy of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia for Migration and Children’s Rights, along with staff from her office, welcomed the returning citizens at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.
Among those repatriated was a young child, just 11 months old, who had endured immense hardship in North African countries, particularly Tunisia. The youth shared their experiences with the national media at the airport, expressing relief at being back home after being away for up to five years.
One of the returnees, Mahmoud Abdi Hajji Fax, recounted his arduous journey, stating, “I left Somalia three years ago due to unemployment and difficult circumstances. I faced many challenges, including extortion and other mistreatments, but today, I am grateful to be back in my homeland.”
Abdishakur Abiib Khair, the Senior Advisor on Migration at the Office of the Special Envoy of the President, highlighted the government’s commitment to assisting its citizens in distress abroad. He praised the collaboration between the Somali Embassy in Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the safe return of these youth.
Maryam Yassin Hajji Yusuf, the Special Envoy, expressed gratitude to the Office of the President, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the IOM for their joint efforts in making this repatriation possible. She emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting and protecting Somali citizens facing challenges abroad.
The Special Envoy urged other Somali youth stranded in Tunisia, North Africa, and beyond to return home, as irregular migration and human trafficking pose significant risks. The Somali government remains committed to extending assistance to its citizens in need and facilitating their safe return to their homeland.