Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – A new report from the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), a data collection system managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has revealed a significant surge in the number of Somali migrants reaching Europe during the first eight months of 2025.
According to the DTM report, 5,435 Somali migrants arrived in Europe by both sea and land routes between January and August 2025 — a figure that represents a threefold increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The report notes that Somali migrants have been recorded on all major migration routes to Europe.
Central Mediterranean Route: The majority of Somalis traveled to Italy, primarily departing from Libya and Tunisia across the Central Mediterranean — one of the most dangerous migration corridors in the world.
A significant number reached Spain, entering either through mainland ports or the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Others traveled through Türkiye to reach Greece and Cyprus, though the DTM noted that official data from this route is still being collected and will be included in future updates.
A smaller group of Somali migrants reached the Spanish Canary Islands via the perilous West African Atlantic route, often departing from coastal areas of Mauritania or Morocco.
The DTM estimates that Somalis now constitute nearly 4 percent of all migrants arriving in Europe so far in 2025, making them one of the largest African nationalities represented among recent arrivals.
The report emphasizes that its findings are primarily based on data from Spain and Italy, as Greece has not yet been officially surveyed.
The organization plans to expand its monitoring in the Eastern Mediterranean to capture a fuller picture of Somali migration flows.
Migration experts attribute this sharp increase to a combination of economic hardship, persistent insecurity, and limited opportunities in Somalia.
High youth unemployment, drought-driven displacement, and ongoing political instability have led many young Somalis to view migration as their only viable path to a better future.
Despite the severe dangers of sea crossings, including overcrowded boats, exploitation by smugglers, and frequent shipwrecks, many migrants continue to risk their lives.
Some families reported that they viewed Europe as a place of safety, education, and employment — even if the journey is perilous.
The DTM and humanitarian organizations have called for greater international cooperation to address the root causes of migration from the Horn of Africa and to ensure that migrants receive protection along their routes.
In 2025 alone, hundreds of migrants from various African countries — including Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, and Ethiopia — are believed to have died or gone missing at sea while attempting to reach Europe.
The DTM’s latest findings highlight a worrying trend of increasing Somali migration towards Europe, reflecting deep socio-economic and security challenges at home.
Experts warn that unless these underlying issues are addressed, migration pressures from Somalia are likely to remain high in the coming years.