By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Somalia, July 8, 2026 – Somalia's Information Minister Abdifatah Qasim Mahmud and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Representative in Somalia Manuel Marques Pereira discussed expanding cooperation on migration awareness, strategic communications and media development in Mogadishu on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on strengthening public awareness campaigns on the risks of irregular migration, supporting voluntary returnees and promoting safe migration through media outreach, the ministry said in a statement.
The discussions come as Somalia continues to face irregular migration, particularly among young people seeking economic opportunities abroad.
IOM describes the Horn of Africa's Eastern Route as one of the world's busiest and most dangerous migration corridors, while studies have found that irregular migration is largely driven by youth.
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According to Somalia's 2025 Migration Statistics Report, labour migration remains the country's dominant form of international migration, while irregular migration continues to pose humanitarian and development challenges.
Mahmud said the media plays a critical role in providing accurate information and raising public awareness, while Pereira reaffirmed IOM's commitment to expanding cooperation on migration awareness, voluntary return programmes and peacebuilding initiatives.
Both sides agreed to strengthen joint programmes aimed at promoting safe migration and improving public awareness across Somalia.