MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – On Thursday night last week, Baraarug hosted a powerful and engaging discussion on irregular migration (tahriib) and its growing impact on Somali youth.
Held via X Spaces, the virtual forum brought together journalists, youth leaders, women, and community members from across Somalia to unpack the root causes, consequences, and possible solutions to the migration crisis.
In the lead-up to the event, Baraarug conducted a public opinion poll on June 29, asking followers: “What is causing the migration (tahriib) of Somali youth?”
About 66.7% of respondents blamed youth unemployment, while 22.2% pointed to insecurity and conflict. Another 11.1% said young people are simply seeking a better life outside Somalia.
Tahriib: Irregular Migration of Somali Youth, Causes, Consequences & Solution https://t.co/Lf7ZNZuqUc
— Baraarug Campaign (@BaraarugSom) July 3, 2025
Presenting the findings, Abdalle Mumin, Secretary General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), described the issue as a national crisis.
“When youth — who make up more than 70% of the population — are risking their lives on dangerous migration routes, and many are dying along the way while the government remains silent, this is a national catastrophe,” said Mr. Mumin.
Hussein Mohamed, a Mogadishu-based freelance journalist with The New York Times, highlighted the lack of national policies that prioritize the needs of youth.
He said the absence of inclusive opportunities and widespread favoritism in government appointments are among the root causes.
“Injustice, the oppression faced by certain clans, and the way leadership positions are handed out based on favoritism — these are driving forces behind irregular migration. Tahriib and all obstacles to our progress will only end when we stop the injustice we inflict on one another,” he added.
Ruun Abdi Kamas, head of the Puntland Youth Association, detailed the severe toll tahriib is taking on youth in Puntland.
She referenced statements made in May by Puntland’s Vice President Ilyas Osman, who raised alarms about the youth exodus and proposed travel screenings at airports and stricter passport controls.
However, Kamas argued that such measures fail to address the real drivers of migration.
“Tahriib has deeply affected Puntland. It is fueled by traffickers and business networks, insecurity, unemployment, and an outdated education system. Unless we reform our administration and school curricula, and hold traffickers accountable, young people’s hopes will remain shattered,” she said.
Anfac Aden, producer of the Baraarug Podcast, focused on the unique struggles faced by women who migrate irregularly.
She mentioned that many of those who recently died off the coast of Mayotte, a French island, were young Somali women.
“The irregular migration of women is heartbreaking. They face abuse, rape, and psychological trauma. Many are the backbone of their families. Forced marriages after university and insecurity are major drivers,” she explained.
Youth participants from across Somalia also voiced strong opinions during the live discussion.
Mohamud, a young man from Garowe, emphasized that without addressing core issues like unemployment and insecurity, no policy will stop migration.
“You cannot stop a hungry young man fleeing from insecurity and death,” he said.
“I urge the media to play its role in holding leaders accountable. We need a new generation of leaders — not the same recycled, corrupt politicians who have failed us.”
The discussion concluded with a call for collective action from civil society, media, and government to tackle the systemic issues fueling irregular migration. Participants emphasized the urgency of giving Somali youth real hope and real opportunities within their own country.
Baraarug is a digital media campaign dedicated to promoting greater access to civic rights for women and youth in Somalia through the use of digital media and public dialogue.