Somalia, 10 October 2025 — One hundred forty-eight (148) Somali citizens who had been stranded in Yemen were safely repatriated yesterday.
The individuals, repatriated via a direct flight, arrived at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport in the evening.
Speaking at the airport, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalan Abdi Ali welcomed the returnees and emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
He noted that the repatriation demonstrates the importance of safe pathways for those seeking to leave or return to their home country.
"It is a blessing that we have welcomed Somali citizens back from Yemen today. They have returned safely and in good health," Minister Abdisalan said.
He added: "The fact that so many people have returned today and seen where they went shows that they did not find what they were seeking abroad," highlighting that many returnees had not achieved the goals they had hoped for while away.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The National Refugee Agency coordinated the reception of the returnees, providing temporary shelter, food, and assistance to return to their local communities.
Minister Abdisalan also indicated that five additional repatriation flights are planned and reported that approximately 400 young Somalis are still detained in various parts of Africa, adding that the government is working to secure their release and facilitate their safe return to the country.
The Somali government has in the recent past reiterated its commitment to facilitating the safe repatriation of its citizens and supporting them in reintegrating into society.