The Somali government has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 161 young Somalis who were stranded in Libya, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to combat the challenges of irregular migration.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 74 of the returnees arrived in Hargeisa, while 87 reached the capital, Mogadishu. The repatriation was made possible through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program, which aims to safely return citizens to their home country.
Ambassador Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed the Somali government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of migration and ensuring the well-being of its citizens abroad. “We remain dedicated to the protection and safe return of our citizens,” said Minister Fiqi.
Ambassador Maryan Yassin, the President’s Special Envoy for Migrants and Children’s Rights, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts involved in bringing the youths home. She emphasized the critical role of the Somali Embassy in Libya, which has been instrumental in mitigating the migration challenges facing Somali citizens.
The European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Karin Johansson, and the Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia, Manuel Marques Pereira, also praised the government’s actions. They underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling the complex issue of migration, commending Somalia’s proactive steps in protecting its citizens and addressing the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Somaliconnect
News Desk-Somalia
