Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – Somali authorities, in partnership with international organizations, have successfully repatriated 165 Somali citizens who had been stranded in Libya under extremely difficult conditions.
The group, consisting of men, women, and 27 minors, arrived in the country today following a coordinated humanitarian operation.
According to officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, 13 of the returnees landed at Hargeisa International Airport, while the remaining individuals arrived through Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.
The operation was jointly facilitated by the Federal Government of Somalia, the European Union (EU), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as part of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable Somali migrants abroad.
Federal officials who welcomed the returnees emphasized that the repatriation required significant coordination, logistical support, and strong international cooperation.
They highlighted the urgent need to rescue Somali nationals who had been enduring severe hardships in Libya.
Many of the returnees had been held in migration detention centers, where conditions are widely reported to be harsh.
According to officials, a large number of those repatriated had faced abuse, overcrowding, lack of medical care, and other forms of mistreatment during their stay in Libyan facilities.
Some of the young people who spoke to the media expressed deep gratitude to the Somali government, the EU, IOM, and all humanitarian partners who made their safe return possible.
They described their experiences as extremely traumatic and said that returning home marked a vital new beginning for them.
This operation is part of a broader, ongoing initiative by the Federal Government of Somalia and its international partners to protect vulnerable citizens abroad.
Since the beginning of 2025, Somalia has repatriated more than 500 citizens from Libya, most of whom are young people affected by dangerous migration routes and detention in North African countries.
The Somali government reaffirmed its commitment to continuing these humanitarian repatriation efforts and supporting returnees with reintegration assistance, counseling, and opportunities to rebuild their lives within the country.