Somali government repatriates young migrants detained in Algeria
Mogadishu – The Federal Government of Somalia successfully repatriated young Somalis detained in Algeria on Wednesday while attempting to migrate to Europe.
The group, comprising five young men and four young women, was arrested while traveling on one of the most dangerous and widely used migration routes across North Africa. Algeria has become a major transit point for Somali migrants attempting to reach Western Europe, often in perilous conditions.
Upon arrival in Mogadishu, the returnees expressed relief and gratitude at being home, describing the difficulties they had endured in Algerian detention centers. Thanking the Somali government for its intervention, one of the returnees said, “We faced very difficult conditions while in prison, but we are happy to be back home.”
Dr. Mohamed Hussein Gass, Director General of the Somali Diaspora and Communities Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the underlying causes of irregular migration.
He said, "Many young Somalis are still stuck or suffering on the paths of migration abroad, and we are working on a strategy to return them and reintegrate them into society."
In recent months, Somalia has witnessed a significant increase in the number of young people attempting to migrate from the country due to economic difficulties. Dozens of them have lost their lives in the past two months while crossing the Mediterranean between Algeria and Spain in search of a better life.
The Somali government, in partnership with international organizations, continues to urge young people to avoid irregular migration and seek safer legal alternatives, while working to find long-term solutions that address youth unemployment and improve conditions at home.
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