MOGADISHU,(HAN) – The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed the release of more than 50 Somali nationals who had been detained in various prisons across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The release followed diplomatic efforts led by Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and Congo, Ilyas Ali Hassan, who engaged Congolese authorities in a series of discussions aimed at securing the freedom of the detainees.
According to Ambassador Ilyas, the Somali nationals were held in multiple detention facilities in different parts of the country, including the city of Lubumbashi.
He explained that the breakthrough came after he submitted an official request three days earlier to DRC’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Jean Pierre Massala.
“The swift release of these Somali citizens demonstrates the importance of strong diplomatic ties and Somalia’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad,” Ambassador Ilyas said while briefing on the development.
The detainees, whose specific charges were not disclosed, had reportedly been in custody for an extended period. Their release comes at a time when increasing numbers of Somalis have been traveling to the DRC, both as entrepreneurs seeking investment opportunities and for other personal reasons.
Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the development as a major step in ensuring the rights and protection of Somali nationals abroad.
