Somalia Launches CAPSOM II to Support Returnees and Strengthen Reintegration

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: The National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI) has launched the CAPSOM II project to strengthen support for Somali returnees and improve the capacity of government institutions managing their return and reintegration.

The project, launched in Nairobi, aims to improve return processes and support Somalia’s goal of ensuring that citizens returning to the country do so in a safe, dignified and sustainable manner.

CAPSOM II is being implemented through cooperation between the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) and the NCRI.

The programme will provide training and capacity-building for NCRI staff, with the agency seeking to strengthen the skills and knowledge needed to manage return and reintegration programmes.

NCRI Chairman Liibaan Cabdi Eegal said strengthening the capacity of government personnel was central to the initiative, while also highlighting the importance of creating economic opportunities for people returning to Somalia.

The project will support job opportunities for 300 Somali returnees, according to the NCRI.

Representatives from Somali government institutions, civil society organisations, the European Union and international partners based in Nairobi attended the launch.

Participants emphasised the need to build sustainable systems that can help returnees access employment and rebuild their livelihoods rather than relying solely on short-term assistance.

The initiative comes as Somalia continues to strengthen its national systems for managing return and reintegration, with employment, skills development and access to basic services seen as important to ensuring that returning Somalis can settle and contribute to local communities.