MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – A youth forum was held in Mogadishu to address the growing issue of irregular migration, following a sharp increase in the number of young people fleeing the country through dangerous routes in search of better opportunities abroad.
The forum, organized by local youth, focused on identifying the root causes driving young people to leave Somalia. Key issues discussed included widespread unemployment, ongoing insecurity, economic hardship, and the worsening impacts of the climate crisis—factors that collectively push youth to risk their lives on perilous journeys.
Speakers also emphasized the social consequences of migration. Some participants expressed concern that today’s generation is losing its sense of patriotism, attributing this to a lack of proper guidance and upbringing for the younger generation.
The government faced strong criticism for its failure to create meaningful opportunities that would encourage youth to contribute to national development rather than seeking life abroad.
Prof. Abdi Baffo, who is former minister of higher education of the Somali Federal Government, stressed that the government must take greater responsibility and ensure that youth are given genuine opportunities to build a future within their own country.