Tuesday April 22, 2025

Somaliland officials with IOM Somalia Deputy Chief of Mission, Prestage Murima, at the newly opened MRC in Burco, Somaliland. Photo Credit: Raber Aziz / IOM Somalia 2025.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Swedish government and Somaliland authorities, has inaugurated a new Migration Response Center (MRC) in Burao to expand essential services for migrants travelling through northern Somalia.

The facility, launched with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aims to serve migrants in transit and those stranded along major migration routes across the Horn of Africa.

“This center will play a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by migrants in transit, ensuring their rights are protected and that they receive the necessary support to make informed decisions about their future,” said Somaliland’s Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, Suleiman Dualleh Haji Jama, during Monday’s opening ceremony.

IOM Somalia Deputy Chief of Mission Prestage Murima described the center as a critical milestone in the organization’s regional response strategy. “By strengthening protection mechanisms and providing lifesaving services, we aim to ensure that no migrant is left behind,” Murima said.

The Burao facility joins a growing network of IOM-supported centers across strategic migration corridors. It will offer emergency shelter, medical care for vulnerable migrants, assisted voluntary return, mental health and psychosocial support, awareness campaigns, and distribution of non-food items.

Representatives from the Somaliland government, civil society groups, and migrant communities attended the opening, signalling a shared commitment to migrant protection and regional cooperation.