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The Somali government has brought home 173 citizens who were trapped in prisons across Libya, where they had endured years of harsh treatment, abuse, and poor living conditions.
A chartered plane carrying 151 people landed at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday, while another 22 were received in Hargeisa. Most of the returnees were young Somalis who had been trying to migrate through North Africa but ended up detained in Libya’s notorious prisons and detention centers. Many of them spoke of the pain, neglect, and abuse they suffered while in captivity.
At the airport in Mogadishu, senior government leaders gathered to welcome the returnees. Among them were the second deputy prime minister, the deputy foreign minister, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from the office of the president’s envoy for migration and children’s rights. They were joined by officials from the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI), the European Union, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This repatriation effort was made possible through close cooperation between the Somali government and its international partners. The IOM played a key role in organizing the logistics of the return, working hand-in-hand with Somali authorities to ensure the safe transportation of the group.
Ambassador Mariam Yassin Hagi Yussuf, who serves as the president’s special envoy for migration, returns, and children’s rights, emphasized that Somalia remains committed to rescuing its citizens from prisons abroad. She highlighted that the government will continue to dedicate time and resources to ensuring that Somalis trapped in difficult circumstances overseas are brought back home.
As the returnees stepped off the plane, relief and gratitude were written across their faces. Some described the horrors of their time in Libyan detention centers, speaking of fear, violence, lack of medical care, and even torture. For many of them, the experience had been one of survival against all odds. Yet, despite the trauma, there was a clear sense of joy and hope as they reunited with their homeland.
Several returnees expressed their appreciation to Somali authorities for securing their release. They said this second chance at life in Somalia gives them the opportunity to rebuild their futures and move forward from years of suffering.
This repatriation highlights the risks many young Somalis face when they attempt irregular journeys through North Africa, often driven by the hope of reaching Europe. These routes, controlled by smugglers and armed groups, expose migrants to imprisonment, abuse, and exploitation. Somalia’s action to bring its people home underscores the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens and support them after such difficult ordeals.
For the families of those who returned, Tuesday marked the end of years of uncertainty and heartbreak. For the government, it was another step in showing that the plight of Somalis abroad is a priority. And for the returnees themselves, it was the beginning of a new chapter — one rooted in hope, safety, and the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.