Voluntary Repatriation to Somalia; Bishar’s Story
Somalia is my country. It is my home. I am going to Sallagle which is safe for us. I want to do farming in Sallagle and provide for my family.
Bishar Ibrahim Ali, a Somali refugee from Dadaab Refugee camp, waits to be voluntarily repatriated to Kismayo, Somalia at Dadaab airstrip, June 2017. UNHCR/M.Dubat
Name and Age:
Bishar Ibrahim Ali, 34
When and where did you came from, and how did you get to Dadaab refugee camp?
I came from Sallagle in Buaale, central Jubba region of Somalia. I arrived in Dadaab refugee camp in 2012 with my family. We were displaced by the 2011 drought, forcing us to walk for four days to the Kenya/Somali border. From there I travelled in a truck together with my wife to the Ifo camp in Dadaab.
What motivated you to take up voluntary repatriation to Somalia? Was it your choice to return to Somalia?
Somalia is my country. It is my home. At one point we must all go back home. It is my choice to go back. I consulted my wife and we agreed to go back. People want to go back but it depends on where you come from. If security is not bad in your area then you can return. God will provide food for my family but people must first have security. I am going to Sallagle which is safe for us. It is also raining there and I want to start farming which I think can provide for me better than what I have here. I also have my relatives there and I don’t think there is any serious threat. I also believe that the government is trying to improve security. I am a Muslim and I believe in destiny. I trust Allah will take care of my family.
What was your experience with the voluntary repatriation process?
My experience was good. I first heard about the voluntary return of refugees from neighbours in my block, and then I decided to visit UNHCR offices to get more information. When I arrived in the office, I received information about the conditions in Somalia and that is when I decided to register to return to Somalia. I was issued with a certificate and told to think about my intention to return. I shared the information with my wife and we decided to return to Somalia. I rarely consult my wife on issues, but this one was very important because it affects our lives. I came back to UNHCR after two weeks with my family and we received more information from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and UNHCR. After counselling we went for medical screening and the doctors found us fit and now we are here ready to travel.
What kind of information did you receive from the UNHCR Return Help Desk on Voluntary Repatriation?
I was told about the drought, the cholera outbreak and the general insecurity in Somalia. I know it is a sad situation and many people have been displaced and some died because of the drought and the cholera, but Somalia is still my country and we must go back to rebuild it. NRC staff also informed us of the potential risk of landmines and how to avoid them. But I pray that we do not encounter any landmines.I am aware that the schools and hospitals in Somalia are not good but the information I received from my friends in Bualle is that the situation is not very bad there.
What are your expectations of life in Somalia, and what do you want to do when you arrive in your hometown?
I think everything will be good for me God willing. Once I get to my home town, I will start farming. It is now raining in Jubbaland and I will take advantage of the rains to grow maize, sorghum and watermelon. As a refugee in Dadaab I was making around KES 1,000 ($10) a week from manual work. It was not enough to maintain my wife and our three children. I want to do farming in Sallagle and provide for my family. I also want UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies in Somalia to support me as we try to settle in. I need a generator for my farm and some fertilizers. If I get support I can produce a good harvest that can support my children.
How long did it you take to finish the whole process until you were booked for flight?
It took me approximately four weeks but I know it took longer for some people who have returned.
Do you have any message for Somali refugees who are still in the camps?
Before I wish them anything, let me say that it is my first time to take a flight and I have mixed feelings. I am scared but at the same time happy to fly for the first time. For my friends and neighbours in the camps I wish them a good life in Dadaab. It is Ramadan and my message to them is to pray for Somalia so that we all go back to our country one day. I stayed in Dadaab for five years. It is not good for me to stay here forever.