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The Somali government, in collaboration with international aid partners, has successfully repatriated 148 Somali citizens from Yemen. The group, which included men, women, and children, arrived safely at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport aboard a chartered flight. Their return marks a hopeful new beginning after years of hardship, displacement, and uncertainty caused by Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
The repatriation was organized by the Somali National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI) in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The joint effort demonstrates Somalia’s growing commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and supporting their safe return home.
Senior officials, including Abdisalam Abdi Ali, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Abdullahi Aden Abdi, the Deputy Commissioner of the NCRI, were at the airport to receive the returnees. They praised the collaboration that made the mission possible and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to helping Somalis rebuild their lives in dignity.
Life in Yemen has become increasingly difficult for refugees and migrants due to years of armed conflict, political instability, and economic collapse. Many Somalis had sought refuge there or were passing through in hopes of reaching Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, but the worsening humanitarian crisis forced many to seek voluntary return. In Yemen, access to food, healthcare, and other essential services has become scarce, making survival an everyday struggle.
Upon arrival in Mogadishu, the returnees were welcomed with immediate assistance to ease their transition back home. They received medical check-ups, food packages, and other forms of basic support. The NCRI and its partners also began helping them reconnect with their families and start the reintegration process in their respective communities.
The government emphasized that such repatriation missions are part of a broader effort to address the challenges faced by displaced Somalis worldwide. Authorities have pledged to continue working with international organizations to ensure that returning citizens are treated with dignity and given the resources they need to rebuild their lives safely.
For many of the returnees, the journey home represents both relief and renewal. After years of uncertainty and separation from loved ones, they now have a chance to start anew in a country that is slowly recovering from its own challenges. The government has expressed its commitment to helping them settle, find opportunities, and contribute positively to their communities.
Yemen’s prolonged war has displaced millions, including thousands of Somalis who had once seen the country as a temporary refuge. Many found themselves trapped by the conflict, unable to move forward or return home. The Somali government, recognizing their plight, has made repatriation a key part of its humanitarian agenda — a symbol of solidarity and hope for citizens caught in foreign crises.
The return of the 148 Somalis from Yemen stands as a reminder of the importance of compassion and coordination in addressing displacement. It also highlights Somalia’s efforts, in partnership with global allies, to protect its people and offer them a renewed sense of belonging.