Mogadishu, Somalia – The federal government of Somalia has brought home 184 of its citizens who had been stranded in Libya, in a government-led repatriation effort that underscores the country’s growing commitment to protecting vulnerable migrants abroad.
The group, which included women, children, and young men, arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday aboard a special flight organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in partnership with humanitarian agencies. Many of the evacuees had been trapped in Libya for months, some detained in overcrowded facilities while others were left stranded after failed attempts to transit toward Europe.
Authorities said the government will provide immediate assistance, including medical checks, psychosocial support, and temporary accommodation, to help the returnees reintegrate into their communities. Officials also emphasized that further repatriation missions are being planned to rescue more Somalis facing similar hardships abroad.
Libya remains a dangerous route for migrants from the Horn of Africa, with thousands vulnerable to trafficking networks, forced labor, and violence. International organizations have repeatedly urged governments in the region to take proactive measures to repatriate and protect their citizens caught in such conditions.
For Somalia, Tuesday’s evacuation not only offered relief to the 184 returnees and their families but also signaled a stronger government policy on safeguarding citizens beyond its borders.