MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Federal Government of Somalia, in partnership with international aid agencies, has successfully repatriated 148 Somali citizens from Yemen. The group, comprising men, women, and children, arrived at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport aboard a charter flight, marking a new chapter for those who had endured years of hardship and conflict.
The repatriation operation, which was a joint effort between the Somali National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI) and international partners, including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), shows Somalia’s renewed commitment to its diaspora.
The returning citizens, many of whom had lived in Yemen for years, were greeted by a delegation of high-ranking government officials. Among them was Abdulsalam Abdali, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, who highlighted the government’s foreign policy of supporting its citizens abroad. He was joined by the Deputy Commissioner of the NCRI, Abdullahi Aden Abdi, who spoke about the comprehensive support being provided to the returnees.
For many, the return represents a long-awaited chance for a fresh start. The conditions in Yemen, which has been mired in a severe humanitarian crisis, have made life for refugees and migrants increasingly difficult. Factors such as insecurity, economic collapse, and a lack of access to basic services have compelled a growing number of Somalis to seek a dignified return to their homeland.
The repatriation flight, a direct operation from Aden, was a culmination of weeks of preparation to ensure a safe and organized journey. Upon their arrival, returnees were provided with immediate assistance, including medical screenings, food, and initial support to help them reconnect with their families and begin the process of reintegrating into society.
The government’s proactive role in this and similar repatriation efforts highlights a broader policy of engaging with the Somali diaspora, which is seen as a vital force for national development. The repatriation is a powerful symbol of a nation on the path to recovery, capable of extending its care and protection to its citizens beyond its borders and providing a stable home for its people.
