Somali delegates not seeking asylum in Switzerland, minister asserts after ILO conference

The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Yusuf Mohamed Aden, refuted the claims as baseless, saying most of the delegates have returned to Somalia.
Somalia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has denied claims that the country’s government delegates who attended the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, have sought asylum.
In an interview with the BBC, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Yusuf Mohamed Aden, refuted the claims as baseless, saying most of the delegates have returned to Somalia.
More To Read
- What happens when aid is cut to a large refugee camp? Kenyan study paints a bleak picture
- Nine Somali youth repatriated after failed bid to reach Europe via Algeria
- Kenya, Finland reaffirm support for Somalia peace efforts amid ATMIS drawdown
- Puntland releases seven Yemeni fishermen arrested over illegal fishing in Somali waters
- Somalia launches National Consultation Forum to address constitution, electoral reform
- Top Ethiopia militray chief warns of security threat from Egypt’s military presence in Somalia
Aden clarified that he, among others, is still in Switzerland to complete scheduled assignments and responsibilities and will return once the conference concludes on June 13, 2025.
“We arrived on June 1, 2025, for the annual ILO conference. We fully participated, and most of the delegates who attended the event have returned. Four individuals, including myself, are still present. The conference ends on the 13th of this month, and those remaining are there to participate in important assignments,” said Aden.
He vowed action against unnamed individuals he accused of spreading the false reports to damage the credibility of the Somali government.
“We’ve been informed that this rumour originated from individuals with ulterior motives who seek to tarnish the reputation of the country and the Ministry. It’s unfortunate. We will begin collecting evidence to take legal steps. Those involved in this defamatory campaign will be brought to justice, and I urge the Somali public to be vigilant and not fall for such false information,” warned Aden.
Top Stories Today