151 more Somalis held in Libyan jails arrive in Mogadishu

The return of 151 Somalis today add up to 176 those who have arrived home since February. Photo: courtesy

A further 151 Somalia returnees who had been held in Libyan jails arrived in the country today adding to a total of 176 those who have be repatriated since President Mohamed Farmaajo ordered the mission December 2.

Somali ambassador to EU Ali Faqi who has been leading the government repatriation team told reporters upon arrival in Mogadishu with the returnees the government was putting in effort to ensure all Somalis stranded in Libya safely return home.

13 Somalis held in Libyan jails arrive in Mogadishu

http://13 more Somali returnees from Libya arrive in Mogadishu

The ambassador added all those who returned today, mostly young people had voluntarily registered themselves for the return programme noting close to 150 others will be returning soon.

“We registered 300 people in the last 15 days and we have managed to bring home the first 151 today,” Faqi said.

The first group of 11 returnees arrived in the country February 11 followed by another 13 March 7 and a similar number March 14.

Several Somalis remain in Libya with some according to Faqi opting to stay or move to third countries.