Somalia is facing significant challenges linked to migration and security threats as the government steps up efforts to repatriate its citizens stranded overseas and intensifies surveillance against insurgents.
Last Wednesday marked the latest milestone as 147 Somali migrants returned from Libya. This flight, the third conducted under the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) over the past two months, highlights the commitment of the Somali government to aid its citizens caught up among dangerous transit routes. A majority of the recent returnees will now have the chance to start afresh back home, safely escorted and welcomed by officials at Aden Adde International Airport. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, alongside EU Ambassador Karin Johansson, expressed their support for these humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the valiant plight of repatriated migrants who often fall victim to harsh realities during their attempts to reach Europe.
"This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all Somalis in need of return support," Minister Ahmed declared during the reception. Under this scheme, which has already successfully returned 844 Somali migrants from Libya, the government offers immediate assistance such as cash grants, temporary accommodation, and medical care. Long-term support through financial assistance and skills training aims to facilitate the reintegration of these individuals back to their communities.
From Libya, many Somali migrants find themselves entrapped by persistent networks of human traffickers. Once dubbed the primary transit hub for migrants aspiring for Europe, dangerous and abusive conditions prevail, leading many to be subjected to exploitation, with reports of unjust detentions and physical abuse rampant. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has noted over 1,300 Somali migrants currently remain stranded, highlighting the urgency for effective interventions. Abdirahman Ali Sheikh, one of the repatriated migrants, shared the harrowing ordeal of his experience: "What I endured in Libya was unimaginable. Now I realize there's no greater place than home," he stated poignantly.
Simultaneously, the safety of residents remains precarious amid the persistent threat from al-Shabab insurgents. The Somali government issued directives compelling shopkeepers to install CCTV cameras outside their establishments to dissuade attacks linked to this militant group. While intended to bolster security, many business owners find themselves at risk of violence from al-Shabab should they comply. Former shopkeeper Hamza Nuur, who eventually sold his business to evade entanglements, articulated this dilemma succinctly: "You're told not to remove the cameras by one side and then you're told to remove the cameras by the other side... you'll either have a bullet or prison cell waiting for you."
The consequences of this directive have proved dire; al-Shabab militants have executed four businessmen linked to the CCTV installations since it was mandated. Government officials assert the cameras have yielded positive results, with casualties from bombings declining. Deputy Mayor Mohamed Ahmed Diriye remarked, "The city is calm and business is smooth," yet shop owners like Nuur remain skeptical about their safety amid such pressure.
An account shared by Ismael Hashi, another shopkeeper, reveals the extent of angst felt by many—his shop now serves as ground zero for confrontation between governmental authority and insurgent terrorism. Forced to comply with installation orders, Hashi continues to carry his bearings with fearful vigilance as he questions each customer entering his shop. The coercive extent of compliance has led many like Hashi to confront the stark reality of prioritizing their safety over livelihood, stating, "Every time I'm standing behind the counter and someone I don't recognize walks in, I get nervous and wonder if this is the person sent to kill me."
While many individuals voice concern over the imposed surveillance measures, others have fallen victim to al-Shabab reprisals directly. One local resident, Sidow Abdullahi Mohamed, lamented being arrested for not complying with the directive to install surveillance cameras. Amidst these rising tensions, debates over the government's strategy to combat insurgency continue, as some criticize the initiative as being more fear-invoking than protective.
The Somali government acknowledges the necessity for strong partnerships to secure the safety and dignity of its migrants and citizens. While pledging to maintain relations with the EU and IOM to rescue Somalis overseas, it also aims to address crises at home by fostering opportunities. Rebuilding homes, support, and stabilization for communities stand as priority objectives as Somalia navigates through this complex quagmire of challenges.
