MOGADISHU — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a new three-year regional program in Mogadishu aimed at combating human smuggling, fraudulent travel documents and organized cross-border crime across Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.
The initiative seeks to dismantle criminal networks that exploit weak border management systems through strengthened institutional capacity, improved intelligence-sharing and closer regional cooperation.
According to IOM, such criminal activities expose migrants to exploitation, abuse, human trafficking and other forms of violence.
Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), who officially launched the program, said the initiative would play a key role in strengthening the capacity of security institutions and improving border protection.
He described secure borders as essential to national security, facilitating lawful movement of people and trade while preventing transnational crime.
The program will focus on modernizing border management, enhancing airport security systems, improving the detection of fraudulent travel documents, expanding intelligence-led operations, strengthening cooperation among government agencies and protecting vulnerable people affected by smuggling and trafficking.
Officials expressed hope that the partnership would enhance security in Somalia and the wider region while reducing the risks posed by illegal migration and cross-border organized crime.
