MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali police have intercepted 35 individuals—11 girls and 24 boys—who were on their way to a rendezvous point in Ethiopia to meet smugglers. These smugglers intended to transport them to Libya and ultimately to Europe, as the migrants sought a better life than what they currently have in their homeland.
The arrests occurred in Luuq, a town in the Gedo region, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. Many of those apprehended are from Mogadishu and other cities, traveling without their families’ knowledge.
Police Chief Kalil Abdikarim stated that the group was taken into custody three days after officers intercepted the vehicle they were traveling in. He noted that the oldest among them is 25, while the youngest is 17. During questioning, they revealed their intention to reach Ethiopia to meet smugglers who would take them to Libya.
Abdikarim stressed that these individuals were traveling without their families’ consent and mentioned that some had already been in contact with their families.
According to Abdikarim, smugglers operate openly in Ethiopia, and he cautioned that these teenagers are likely to face severe exploitation in Libya. He highlighted the risks of human smuggling, warning that these young migrants could become victims of both traffickers and hostage-takers.
Despite these dangers, many young Somali migrants choose this path, believing it to be a cheaper and more straightforward option than other alternatives.
The arrests coincide with reports of hundreds of Somali migrants stranded in Libya, facing severe hardships and expressing regret for leaving their homeland in search of a better life in Europe. Many sought safety across the Mediterranean but instead found violence, hunger, and uncertainty.
In cities like Tripoli, migrants are often held captive by traffickers known as “Magafe,” who exploit vulnerable individuals. Torture, extortion, and starvation are common, leaving many desperate to return to Somalia as their dreams of a better future fade.
Disturbing videos on social media show migrants enduring torture in detention camps after failing to pay traffickers’ demands. Many are pleading for assistance to return home, while Somalia’s embassy in Tripoli works to facilitate repatriation, though the process is slow and fraught with challenges.
