A total of 99 Somali nationals were repatriated from Libyan prisons, officials announced on Tuesday.
The returnees were warmly received at Mogadishu airport by Mary Yassin Jama, the Special Envoy for Immigration and Children’s Rights, and Raage Osman, the Director of the Arab Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by Somali migrants in Libya and offering them an opportunity to rebuild their lives in their home country.
Among the 99 returnees, 88 were men and 11 were women. Raage Osman informed reporters that 47 individuals were sent to Hargeisa, while the remaining 52 arrived in Mogadishu.
The repatriation process was made possible through the concerted efforts of the Somali government, the IOM, and the Somali Embassy in Libya. The successful operation highlights the commitment of all parties involved in ensuring the safe return and reintegration of Somali citizens who have found themselves in difficult circumstances abroad.
During the reception at Mogadishu airport, Raage Osman expressed his gratitude to President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, the IOM, and the Somali Embassy in Libya for their pivotal roles in facilitating the repatriation mission.
He emphasized the importance of believing in one’s own country and urged young Somalis who are contemplating migration to learn from the experiences of the recently returned citizens. Osman’s advice serves as a reminder to the youth that opportunities for growth and development exist within Somalia, encouraging them to explore avenues for success at home.
While celebrating the repatriation of the 99 individuals, Osman revealed that there are still additional Somali nationals stranded in Libyan detention centers.
He expressed hope that similar repatriation initiatives would be carried out in the near future, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to assisting Somali migrants in distress and ensuring their safe return to their families and communities.
