Somalia Steps Up War on Human Trafficking to Protect Its Citizens

 Somalia Steps Up War on Human Trafficking to Protect Its Citizens

In a bold and determined move, the Somali government has launched an intensified campaign targeting human traffickers responsible for luring and transferring Somali citizens into exploitative networks abroad. This decisive action comes amid growing alarm over the safety and wellbeing of migrants, particularly young Somalis taking perilous journeys in search of better lives.

Attorney General Suleiman Mohamud Mohamed, speaking on Tuesday, revealed that Somalia—working closely with international partners—has implemented a robust mechanism to track, arrest, and repatriate Somali nationals involved in human trafficking. These individuals, once returned, will face justice under Somali law.

“It is becoming easier for us to repatriate our Somali citizens in Sudan, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco who have committed crimes in Somalia, using legal procedures that facilitate the collection of information and their evidence,” the Attorney General said.

In a major development, Somalia has also officially joined the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. This landmark step opens doors to greater international cooperation, making it easier to dismantle criminal networks that operate across borders and to extradite suspects hiding abroad.

The government’s announcement comes at a time of heightened irregular migration. An increasing number of young Somalis are embarking on hazardous journeys toward Europe, often falling prey to smugglers and traffickers. Many have lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea, while others are detained under inhumane conditions in North African countries, frequently subjected to abuse and ransom demands.

Just last month, the Banadir Regional Court delivered a strong message by sentencing six individuals found guilty of running a human trafficking ring. The multi-day trial highlighted the growing danger posed by trafficking networks that exploit Somalia's vulnerable youth.

This renewed crackdown reflects a broader commitment by the Somali government to safeguard its citizens, enforce the rule of law, and stand firm against criminal enterprises profiting from human misery. By strengthening international partnerships and adopting legal tools to combat trafficking, Somalia is taking meaningful steps to shield its people from exploitation and restore justice to those affected.