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In a continued effort to support Somali migrants stranded in Libya, the Federal Government of Somalia, the European Union (EU), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated the voluntary return of 147 individuals, including several minors. This humanitarian initiative, conducted under the EU-funded Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), underscores the commitment to ensuring safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation for Somali nationals facing precarious conditions abroad.
Voluntary Humanitarian Return Flights
The repatriation involved a charter flight that landed in Hargeisa to disembark 31 migrants before continuing to Mogadishu with 116 more. The returnees were greeted by Somali government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed Fiqi, alongside EU Ambassador to Somalia Karin Johansson.
This marks the third such flight within two months, bringing the total number of Somali migrants repatriated under the MPRR-SSA project to 844. These efforts highlight the strength of international partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable migrants.
Statements of Commitment
Minister Ahmed Fiqi expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “The Federal Government of Somalia, with the invaluable support of the European Union and IOM, is ensuring that our citizens can return home with dignity and receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
EU Ambassador Karin Johansson shared her sentiments, adding, “These voluntary return flights underscore our shared dedication to protecting Somali migrants and providing them with safety and dignity after enduring precarious and often life-threatening conditions in Libya.”
The Dire Situation in Libya
Libya remains a hotspot for migrants seeking opportunities but often facing dire consequences. According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, over 1,300 Somali migrants are currently stranded in Libya. These individuals frequently endure life-threatening conditions, including insecurity, lack of essential services like food and healthcare, and exposure to exploitation.
The plight of migrants underscores the importance of initiatives like the MPRR-SSA project, which not only repatriates individuals but also supports their reintegration into society.
Post-Return Assistance
Returning migrants receive immediate support, including:
Small cash grants for essential needs.
Temporary accommodation upon arrival.
Medical assistance, including psychosocial support.
Onward transportation for those reuniting with families outside the capital.
Longer-term reintegration is facilitated through financial assistance, enabling returnees to establish livelihoods and reintegrate into local communities.
A Broader Humanitarian Mission
This initiative reflects Somalia’s dedication to upholding the rights of its citizens, even in challenging global circumstances. By working alongside the EU and IOM, the Somali government aims to address not only immediate humanitarian needs but also broader social and economic reintegration challenges.
As international partners continue to prioritize the well-being of migrants, these efforts serve as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing global migration crises.