Somalia, a nation embroiled in conflict for over three decades, remains a precarious landscape where violence and instability are a daily reality. With nearly 40 percent youth unemployment and a staggering 70 percent of the population under the age of 30, the lack of opportunities exacerbates the country’s security situation. The country is riddled with crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and piracy, with attacks by the armed group al-Shabab occurring frequently. The United States has issued warnings to its citizens about the dangers of traveling to Somalia, underscoring the fragile security situation where armed men, often in uniforms and allied with the state, are both feared and tasked with maintaining order.
The high rate of poverty and unemployment further fuels the insecurity, creating a volatile environment where frustration and desperation are rampant. Many of Somalia's youth face limited options, driving some to desperate measures. Adding to this complexity, Somalia's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program may not be renewed under the new Trump administration, leaving over 4,000 Somalis facing potential deportation back to their homeland. For many deportees, returning to Somalia means confronting a nation they barely recognize and grappling with the absence of family due to ongoing conflict.
A Nation Struggling with Unemployment and Insecurity
Somalia's youth unemployment rate of nearly 40 percent is alarming, especially considering that young people make up around 70 percent of the country's population. This demographic is left grappling with limited opportunities, which feeds into the broader issues of insecurity and unrest. The lack of work prospects compounds the difficulties faced by a nation already struggling with profound poverty and widespread violence.
In a land where crime and terrorism are rife, the presence of armed groups like al-Shabab only heightens daily tensions. Incidents involving explosions are frequent, leaving many residents in constant fear of when and where the next attack might occur. The Somali government has enlisted many armed men in uniform to maintain security, though their presence often adds to the anxiety felt by citizens wary of those wielding weapons.
Anwar, a Somali national affected by the instability, recalled a chilling childhood memory:
“I was playing outside [in Mogadishu] with a couple friends, then we found an oval-shaped object on the ground. That’s when my mother called me in for Asr [afternoon Muslim] prayer,” – Anwar
His return was met with tragedy:
“Everyone from our neighbourhood came rushing outside, including me. I then saw the lifeless bodies of my three friends strewn on the dirt road … They died from the oval object they were playing with.” – Anwar
Such stories highlight the perilous conditions that persist across Somalia.
The Challenge for Deportees
The prospect of deportation looms large for many Somalis in the United States. With changes in immigration policy under the Trump administration, thousands face uncertain futures. The potential non-renewal of TPS for Somali nationals could see over 4,000 individuals sent back to a country fraught with danger.
Marc Prokosch voiced concerns over these policies:
“The Trump administration is definitely endangering lives by deporting people to places like Somalia,” – Marc Prokosch
Deportees often face daunting challenges upon their return. Many find themselves without family support due to decades-long conflicts. Mukhtar, one such deportee, recounted his experience:
“We were still handcuffed when we switched planes in Nairobi but the ICE agents didn’t continue the journey with us from Nairobi to Mogadishu,” – Mukhtar
This isolation is compounded by cultural dissonance; many deportees struggle to reintegrate into Somali society after years abroad. Tattoos and westernized appearances can mark them as outsiders in their birthplace:
“If I knew I would end up here [in Somalia] I would have never gotten these tattoos,” – Mukhtar
For some, returning to Somalia feels like an extension of their punishment:
“It felt like serving two sentences for committing one crime, and when I reached the immigration jail, I felt like an animal being taken to the slaughterhouse,” – Mukhtar
Navigating Life Amidst Conflict
Despite these challenges, some deportees strive to adapt and find meaning in their new reality. Anwar epitomizes this resilience:
“This is the card I’ve been dealt and I have to make the best of it.” – Anwar
Yet navigating life amidst such instability remains fraught with danger. With armed men patrolling the streets, even those tasked with security face uncertainty:
“When you’re wearing a uniform and carrying a gun, you don’t know who or when someone is going to take your life,” – Mukhtar
For many Somalis, including those returning from abroad, daily life is a balancing act between hope and despair. The persistent threats of violence and economic hardship cast long shadows over efforts to rebuild lives.
