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With the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s 53-year family rule in Syria, Syrian refugees in Somalia are voicing renewed hopes of returning to their homeland. For many, the fall of the Assad regime marks the potential start of a safer, more stable future.
Celebration in Mogadishu: A Turning Point
On December 11, 2024, dozens of Syrian refugees in Mogadishu gathered to celebrate the regime’s collapse. The demonstration was filled with emotional speeches and placards reading messages like “We want to go home” and “Syria awaits us.” For refugees who fled Syria’s civil war more than a decade ago, the event symbolized a long-awaited turning point.
Hussein Hikmat, a refugee from Damascus, expressed gratitude for the revolution’s success. “We are victorious because of the free Syrian army,” he said. “Somalis welcomed us and supported us, but we will go back to our country.”
Similarly, Ali Al-Zahir, who lost his wife and three children in the conflict, shared his deep desire to return. “Syria is free today, and free soldiers control it. I swear to God I want to return to my country,” he said tearfully.
Struggles of Refugees in Somalia
While the hope of returning home is strong, many refugees face significant obstacles. Khadija Mohamed, a perfume and prayer bead seller in Mogadishu, expressed optimism but acknowledged the financial and logistical challenges her family endures. “The situation in Syria is good. Bashar al-Assad is gone, but our current situation does not allow us to return,” she said.
Others, like Fatima Mohamed, voiced cautious optimism. “Many places in Syria are free, but it is not entirely stable yet,” she said, citing concerns about lingering instability and unresolved issues such as prisoners still detained by the Assad regime.
A Refuge in Somalia
For many Syrians, Somalia became an unexpected sanctuary during their time of need. Despite its own challenges, such as terrorism and piracy, Somalia’s welcoming policies and lack of visa restrictions made it an accessible destination.
In addition to finding safety, Syrian refugees have contributed significantly to Somali society. Many brought valuable skills as doctors, engineers, chefs, and teachers, enriching the local culture and economy. This reciprocal relationship has strengthened ties between the two nations.
Somali officials, recognizing the refugees’ contributions, have promised to collaborate with international organizations to assess Syria’s safety and facilitate voluntary returns. However, there is no official data on the number of Syrian refugees in Somalia, with estimates ranging in the thousands.
Cautious Optimism for the Future
While the fall of Assad’s regime has ignited hope, the journey back home is fraught with uncertainties. For refugees like Fatima and Khadija, the dream of returning to Syria remains tied to achieving long-term peace and stability.
For now, the community continues to celebrate the end of a regime that forced them into exile while navigating the complexities of rebuilding their lives, either in Somalia or back home in Syria.