Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagaren) of Southwest State welcomed a delegation led by Frantz Celestin, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia, to Baidoa today. The delegation’s visit coincides with the global observance of the campaign to “End Human Trafficking.”

During the meeting, President Laftagaren and Mr. Celestin discussed the ongoing IOM initiatives across Southwest districts and explored ways to enhance these efforts. The discussion focused on increasing the support and services provided to migrants, particularly in addressing the challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking.

The meeting was attended by several high-level officials, including the director of the presidential palace, the chairman of the Baidoa district, and the city’s mayor. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling migration issues within the region.

Frantz Celestin highlighted the IOM’s commitment to preventing human trafficking and supporting regular migration. He emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions to displacement, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Human trafficking is a global scourge. Let’s prevent it by facilitating regular migration and fostering solutions to displacement. In Somalia, we provide life-saving aid to migrants, especially minors, who make up 35% of the migrants who’ve registered for help so far this year.”

The visit and discussions mark a significant step in enhancing the collaboration between the Southwest State administration and the IOM. Both parties reiterated their commitment to improving migration management and providing crucial support to vulnerable populations, particularly minors affected by displacement and trafficking.

As the world marks the campaign against human trafficking, the collaborative efforts in Somalia aim to foster safer, regulated migration and provide essential aid to those in need.