The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Somalia repatriated 145 of its citizens from the Libyan cities of Tripoli and Sebha back to their homes in Mogadishu and Hargeisa on Monday. The government of Somalia, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the EU Migrant Protection, Return & Reintegration authority for North Africa, successfully carried out this program, as part of Somalia’s government dedication to addressing migration challenges. According to local news, the repatriated citizens mainly consist of youth who had been stranded in Libya and undergoing torture, abuse, and trafficking while there.

The partnership between the Somalian government and the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for migrant repatriation in North Africa played a big role in the successful undertaking of this operation. The EU-IOM Joint Initiative falls under the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programs in Somalia, which provide support, including financial and administrative support, to migrants who are unwilling to remain in their host countries and who want to return to their home countries. These programs not only apply to citizens of Somalia stranded abroad but also to foreign nationals stranded in Somalia. They also aim to achieve sustainable social and economic restoration of migrants into their communities.

Over the past week, the IOM also repatriated hundreds of migrants from Libya to their home countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana and the Gambia.

The Somalian government’s efforts to repatriate their citizens have been consistent recently. In December 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought back 161 youths who had been enduring harsh living conditions and exploitation in Libya, marking a new chapter of hope and opportunity for them. The Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Somalian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.