Somali Delegation Members Disappear in Geneva After ILO Meeting – Sources

GENEVA — Several members of a Somali government delegation have reportedly gone missing in Geneva after attending an International Labour Organization (ILO) meeting, raising concerns over human smuggling and abuse of diplomatic travel privileges.

Sources close to the Somali delegation revealed that at least three individuals who arrived in Switzerland as part of the official delegation failed to return to Mogadishu and are believed to have disappeared with the intent to seek asylum or remain in Europe illegally.

Swiss authorities have not officially confirmed the disappearance but are said to be investigating the matter in coordination with international partners.

A Somali government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the delegation was "infiltrated" by individuals who had no formal role in the ILO discussions and may have been smuggled into the country under the cover of diplomatic credentials.

The official delegation, led by Somalia’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, MP Yusuf Mohamed Adan, included individuals who allegedly paid over $15,000 each to be smuggled into Europe under the cover of official accreditation, according to sources with direct knowledge of the case.

The incident has sparked criticism in Somalia, where opposition figures and civil society groups accuse the government of failing to properly vet participants in international missions.

The ILO has declined to comment on the case, stating it is not responsible for the composition of national delegations.

GAROWE ONLINE