Somalia’s Federal Government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have agreed to strengthen cooperation on combating irregular migration, expanding public awareness campaigns, and promoting peacebuilding through strategic communication.

The agreement was discussed during a meeting in Mogadishu between Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdulfatah Qasim Mahmoud, and the IOM Chief of Mission in Somalia, Manuel Marques Pereira.

The talks focused on enhancing collaboration in the use of media and strategic communications to discourage irregular migration, raise awareness among returning migrants, and support national efforts aimed at peacebuilding, stabilization, and community engagement.

Minister Abdulfatah said the media plays a critical role in providing accurate information, educating the public, and supporting government initiatives to strengthen peace, stability, and national development.

He welcomed expanded cooperation with IOM in journalist training, public awareness campaigns, and communication programs addressing irregular migration, stabilization, and emergency response.

For his part, Manuel Marques Pereira reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to working closely with Somalia’s Ministry of Information, emphasizing the importance of joint initiatives to raise public awareness on migration, prevent human trafficking and irregular migration, encourage voluntary returns, and strengthen the media’s contribution to peacebuilding and stabilization efforts.

Both sides agreed to expand their partnership by implementing joint programs designed to improve public awareness and support communities affected by migration challenges.

The renewed cooperation comes as Somalia continues to face significant migration pressures driven by conflict, climate shocks, economic hardship, and displacement, with authorities increasingly relying on public information campaigns to discourage dangerous migration routes while supporting the safe reintegration of returnees.