Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-A group of 164 Somali migrants who had been trapped in Libya arrived safely back in Somalia on Thursday, as part of a coordinated effort led by the Somali government in partnership with the European Union (EU), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The returnees were brought back under the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad.

Of the returnees, 55 were taken to Hargeisa, while 109 arrived in Mogadishu. Many of them had endured dangerous conditions in Libya, a notorious transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Speaking on their return, one of the youths expressed relief: “I am happy to be back in my home country of Somalia. We hope to improve our lives here. My advice to Somali youth is to avoid going to foreign countries like Libya because we suffered there.”

Yahye Ahmed Ismael, another returnee, expressed gratitude for the initiative: “I have been away from the country and suffered in Libya. I am happy to be back in my mother’s country and proud to be home under my country’s flag.”

The Somali government has been working tirelessly to address the challenges faced by migrants, with this latest repatriation being part of a broader initiative to bring back citizens stranded in unsafe conditions abroad.

“This is a vital step in ensuring the safety and future of our citizens,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Fiqi, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safe return and reintegration of Somali nationals.

Mariam Yassin, Somalia’s Special Envoy for Migrants, Refugees, and Children’s Rights, praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its leadership and collaboration with international partners, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to address migration challenges.

Libya has long been a transit point for Somali migrants seeking to reach Europe. However, the collapse of the Libyan government worsened conditions, leading to increased risks of kidnapping, extortion, and imprisonment for migrants, including Somalis. At least three Somali nationals were reported killed in September and October in warehouses and homes operated by human traffickers.

Over the past five years, the Somali government, with support from IOM and UNHCR, has facilitated the return of hundreds of Somali nationals from Libya. The efforts continue to underscore the government’s dedication to protecting its citizens and offering them a safer, more hopeful future back home.