Somalia launches high-level push against human trafficking and migrant smuggling

Somalia has stepped up its national campaign against human trafficking and migrant smuggling as the Minister of Internal Security, General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), chaired a high-level meeting of a federal committee tasked with combating the crimes.

The committee was recently appointed by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to coordinate government-wide efforts to prevent trafficking in persons and disrupt smuggling networks operating within and beyond Somalia’s borders.

The meeting brought together senior government officials, including the Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ministers of State from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Attorney General of Somalia. Their participation underscored the multi-sectoral nature of the challenge and the need for unified action.

Discussions focused on accelerating ongoing efforts to dismantle human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and improving enforcement of existing laws and policies. Officials emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, border and transport security, and enhanced cooperation among law enforcement, judicial institutions, and social service agencies.

Minister Fartaag stressed that trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling pose serious threats to national security, social stability, and human dignity, noting that vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, are often the most affected. He called for sustained collaboration across government institutions to ensure effective prevention, protection of victims, and prosecution of perpetrators.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to implementing practical, coordinated measures to curb the crimes, while also raising public awareness and strengthening regional and international cooperation. The federal government says the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance security, uphold human rights, and address the root causes driving irregular migration in Somalia.