GAROWE (Kaab TV) – During today’s Eid al-Adha celebrations in Garowe, Puntland leaders focused their speeches on the urgent need to stop the growing trend of youth migration (tahriib) from the region.
The issue comes just two weeks after around 20 young people from Puntland tragically died off the coast of Spain while attempting a dangerous sea journey to Europe.
Religious scholars and intellectuals who spoke at the Eid gathering emphasized the government’s responsibility to address the root causes of irregular migration. Security officials also called on the public to play a role in tackling the crisis.
The Speaker of Puntland Parliament, Cabdirisaaq Axmed, urged both government leaders and citizens to work together to end the exodus of youth risking their lives on deadly migration routes—many of whom perish at sea.
Puntland Vice President Ilyaas Cismaan (Lugatoor) announced that the government is considering strict new measures, including a potential ban on issuing passports to anyone under the age of 40.
“In the past month alone, security agencies have held five meetings on this issue. It’s a tough situation, and we may have no choice but to introduce tough measures—including denying passports to anyone under 40,” Vice President Ilyaas said during his Eid al-Adha address.