Somalia: 22 Somalis Released from Detention in Conflict-Ridden Sudan

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 22 Somalis were on Monday released from a detention camp in Sudan, a country that is also struggling with internal conflicts following escalating differences between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

Ahmed Sudani, Somalia’s acting ambassador to Sudan, said the 22 mainly youthful people, were released from the Port Sudan Airport detention camp where they were being held after it emerged that they were traveling through Sudan without authority.

The group, comprising 17 young men and 5 young women, had been held for three months in detention facilities located in Dongola and Gadaref after being apprehended while attempting irregular migration, state media reports.

"The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in coordination with its Portsudan office, successfully facilitated their release. However, three Somali youths remain in the custody of Sudanese security authorities as investigations continue," state media noted.

"Their release is soon anticipated, after which they will be repatriated to Somalia."

The Somali Embassy in Sudan expressed its profound appreciation for the joint efforts of international and local organizations. The embassy said it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Somali citizens in distress and advocating for their welfare and safety.

Many Somalis have lately been running away from the country in search of greener pastures and the process, a number of them have died. A few weeks ago, several Somali immigrants died in the Indian Ocean after their boat capsized.

The 47 who survived the tragedy near Madagascar have since been repatriated to Somalia. The country is also experiencing political uncertainty after two states — Jubaland and Puntland insisted on maintaining the indirect model of elections as opposed to the federal government's universal suffrage proposals.

GAROWE ONLINE