COALITION OF SOMALI HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS (CSHRD)
HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING AND ADVOCACY REPORT | NOVEMBER 2026
THE DEATH PENALTY IN SOMALIA: A CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS AND THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE.
Document type: Human Rights Situation Analysis and Policy Advocacy Report Reporting scope: Federal Republic of Somalia, including Federal Member States and northern regions, particularly Somaliland Date: 13 November 2026 Issued by: Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
1. Executive Summary
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) expresses grave concern over the continued application and expansion of capital punishment across Somalia, including the Federal Member States and northern regions, particularly Somaliland. The increasing resort to executions amid persistent political instability, insecurity, institutional fragility and weaknesses in the administration of justice raises serious questions about the protection of the right to life, judicial independence, fair trial guarantees and the compatibility of criminal justice practices with Somalia’s international human rights obligations.
CSHRD is particularly concerned that the death penalty continues to be imposed and implemented in circumstances where the administration of justice faces significant structural challenges, including inadequate access to qualified legal representation, deficiencies in criminal investigations, limited judicial independence, reliance on disputed confessions, insufficient transparency and weaknesses in appellate safeguards.
Of particular concern is the reported execution of nine individuals in Somaliland on 11 November 2026, in a single day, following convictions in separate murder cases. According to a report published by Kaab TV on 12 November 2026, the executions were carried out by firing squad at Mandheera Prison following presidential authorization by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro). The authorities reportedly justified the executions under the principle of Qisaas (retribution) in accordance with Islamic Sharia.
While the right of victims and their families to justice and accountability must be respected, the irreversible nature of capital punishment requires the highest standards of judicial scrutiny, due process, transparency and protection against wrongful conviction. The publicly available information concerning the nine executions does not sufficiently establish whether all applicable procedural safeguards, appeal rights and opportunities for forgiveness or compensation were fully respected.
CSHRD considers the execution of nine individuals on a single day a particularly serious development that warrants independent scrutiny and renewed national and international attention.
The Coalition further observes that the death penalty is being used in a broader environment where criminal justice systems are expected to address a wide range of security-related, political and criminal challenges. There is a growing risk that capital punishment becomes an increasingly routine instrument of criminal justice rather than an exceptional measure subject to the strictest legal limitations.
CSHRD calls for an immediate nationwide moratorium on executions across Somalia, including Somaliland, as a necessary first step towards ending the use of capital punishment. No further executions should be carried out while the authorities undertake an independent review of death sentences, strengthen judicial safeguards and initiate a transparent national process towards abolition.
The Coalition emphasizes that public security, accountability for serious crimes and the protection of victims must be pursued through a justice system that respects human dignity, the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
### 2\. Background and Context
Somalia continues to experience complex political, security and institutional challenges. Armed conflict, terrorism, intercommunal violence, political disputes, weak governance structures and limited institutional capacity have placed considerable pressure on the country’s justice and security institutions.
Within this context, capital punishment remains part of the criminal justice systems operating across Somali territories. Death sentences are imposed through different judicial mechanisms, including civilian and military courts, with executions carried out under varying legal and administrative procedures.
CSHRD is concerned that the continued use of capital punishment is taking place without sufficiently comprehensive and publicly accessible safeguards to guarantee that every death sentence results from a fair, independent and impartial judicial process.
The Coalition recognizes that murder and other serious crimes cause profound harm to victims, their families and communities. The State has an obligation to investigate such crimes, prosecute perpetrators, protect victims and ensure accountability. However, these obligations must be discharged in accordance with human rights standards.
The existence of serious criminality, insecurity or public pressure for punishment cannot justify weakening the fundamental guarantees of criminal justice.
In particular, the death penalty must not become a substitute for effective policing, professional criminal investigations, independent courts, institutional accountability and preventive justice policies.
### 3\. The Somaliland Executions of Nine Individuals: 11 November 2026
### 3.1 Reported executions
On 11 November 2026, Somaliland authorities reportedly executed nine individuals who had been convicted in separate murder cases and detained at Mandheera Prison.
According to Kaab TV’s reporting published on 12 November 2026:
* Nine individuals were executed by firing squad on the same day.
* The individuals had been convicted in separate murder cases.
* Some reportedly belonged to Somaliland’s police and military forces, while others were young civilians.
* Some cases had reportedly been adjudicated by military courts.
* The executions followed presidential authorization by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro).
* The authorities reportedly described the executions as the implementation of Qisaas under Islamic Sharia.
The report further indicated that the authorities had not publicly disclosed comprehensive information about the identities of all nine individuals, the circumstances of the underlying cases, the judicial proceedings, or the final stages of appeal and review.
These details are based on publicly reported information and have not been independently verified by CSHRD through access to the relevant court files, prison records or official execution documentation.
### 3.2 Serious concerns about transparency and judicial safeguards
The execution of nine individuals in a single day raises important questions that require clarification by the relevant authorities.
CSHRD is particularly concerned about the absence of sufficiently detailed public information concerning:
* The identities of the nine individuals and the specific cases for which they were sentenced.
* The courts responsible for their convictions, including whether military courts exercised jurisdiction over civilians or military personnel.
* Whether each individual received competent and independent legal representation throughout the proceedings.
* Whether the accused were able to challenge the evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
* Whether any convictions relied on confessions obtained under coercion, intimidation or other improper circumstances.
* Whether all legally available appeals and judicial reviews were exhausted.
* Whether the families of victims freely exercised their rights concerning Qisaas, forgiveness or acceptance of Diyya (financial compensation), where applicable.
* Whether presidential authorization followed a comprehensive review of the legality and procedural regularity of each sentence.
The absence of publicly available information does not, by itself, establish that these safeguards were violated. Nevertheless, given the irreversible consequences of execution, the authorities must provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the proceedings complied with applicable legal and human rights standards.
### 3.3 Qisaas, forgiveness and the protection of life
CSHRD recognizes that Qisaas is a principle within Islamic jurisprudence concerning intentional killing and that the rights of victims’ families are an important consideration in such proceedings.
However, the application of Qisaas must not be treated as removing the obligation of public authorities to guarantee fair trials, judicial independence, freedom from torture and effective legal remedies.
The possibility of forgiveness, reconciliation and Diyya must also be considered in accordance with applicable law and the relevant religious and legal principles.
The Coalition stresses that the protection of life, justice for victims and the prevention of wrongful convictions are not mutually exclusive objectives.
A justice system must protect victims without abandoning the fundamental rights of accused persons.
4. The Wider Death Penalty Crisis Across Somalia
4.1 Expansion of capital punishment beyond the strictest limits
CSHRD is concerned that capital punishment in Somalia is not consistently confined to the narrowest category of crimes permitted under international human rights law.
Although intentional murder is recognized as an exceptionally serious offence, the legal frameworks and practices operating in Somalia have also allowed capital punishment to be prescribed or imposed for other categories of offences, including certain national security, political and public-order offences.
These include offences described in criminal legislation and security-related proceedings as treason, espionage and acts endangering public safety.
The European Union Agency for Asylum has documented concerns about the imposition of death sentences for offences beyond intentional killing, including cases involving military courts and individuals who have reportedly not received adequate legal representation or appeal safeguards. European Union Agency for Asylum
This trend raises serious concerns about the proportionality of punishment, the protection of fundamental rights and the risk of using capital punishment as an instrument of state security and criminal enforcement.
Under international human rights standards, the category of crimes for which the death penalty may be imposed must be interpreted restrictively. The UN Human Rights Committee has clarified that the threshold of the most serious crimes is limited to crimes of extreme gravity involving intentional killing.
Consequently, offences such as treason, espionage, corruption, political offences, armed robbery and other crimes that do not involve intentional killing cannot justify capital punishment under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). documents.un.org
CSHRD therefore considers the continued availability of capital punishment for offences beyond intentional killing a matter requiring urgent legislative review.
4.2 The role of military courts
One of the most significant concerns in Somalia’s criminal justice system is the use of military courts in proceedings involving civilians and other individuals whose cases should ordinarily be handled by independent civilian judicial institutions.
Military courts have been criticized for procedural weaknesses, including inadequate legal representation, insufficient transparency and limited guarantees of appeal.
In its observations on Somalia, the UN Committee against Torture raised concerns about military courts exercising jurisdiction over civilian cases, including cases involving juveniles. It called on Somalia to consider legislative amendments removing military court jurisdiction over civilian cases and to ensure legal representation and appeal rights for all defendants. policinglaw.info
These concerns become particularly serious when military courts impose death sentences.
CSHRD emphasizes that military jurisdiction must not become a mechanism through which defendants are deprived of the procedural protections available under ordinary criminal justice systems.
Every individual facing a potential death sentence must receive a fair, independent and impartial trial, regardless of whether the allegations concern civilian criminality, military conduct or national security.
4.3 Capital punishment amid political and security instability
Somalia’s political and security challenges cannot be separated from the broader debate about the application of capital punishment.
The country continues to confront:
* Armed conflict and terrorist violence.
* Political and constitutional disagreements.
* Weaknesses in the administration of justice.
* Limited institutional independence and accountability.
* Inadequate access to qualified legal assistance.
* Challenges in conducting professional criminal investigations.
* Limited access to independent judicial review.
* Inadequate transparency in certain criminal proceedings.
In such circumstances, the expansion of capital punishment carries an increased risk of irreversible injustice.
Where institutions lack the capacity to guarantee independent investigations, reliable evidence, effective defence and meaningful appeals, executions create the possibility that innocent people or individuals convicted through fundamentally defective proceedings may be permanently deprived of their lives.
CSHRD stresses that executions cannot resolve the structural causes of insecurity, violent crime or institutional fragility.
The appropriate response to insecurity must include strengthening the rule of law, professional policing, accountable security institutions, independent courts, effective prosecution and the protection of communities.
4.4 The absence of a consistent national approach
The administration of justice across Somalia involves different federal, regional and local authorities, with varying legal institutions and enforcement practices.
This fragmented institutional environment creates additional challenges for monitoring death sentences, documenting executions, assessing compliance with fair trial guarantees and ensuring consistent protection of fundamental rights.
CSHRD is particularly concerned about the absence of a comprehensive, publicly accessible national mechanism documenting:
* The number of individuals sentenced to death.
* The number of executions carried out annually.
* The offences for which death sentences are imposed.
* The age and circumstances of individuals on death row.
* The use of civilian and military courts.
* Access to defence lawyers and effective appeals.
* Allegations of torture or coerced confessions.
* Requests for pardon, forgiveness or commutation.
* The number of death sentences overturned or reviewed.
The Coalition calls for the establishment of a transparent national death penalty monitoring mechanism, with independent human rights oversight and access for relevant national and international organizations.
5. International Human Rights and Legal Framework
Somalia is a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which establishes binding obligations concerning the right to life, fair trial guarantees and protection against arbitrary deprivation of life.
The continued application of capital punishment must therefore be examined in light of these obligations.
5.1 Article 6 of the ICCPR – Right to life
Article 6 recognizes the inherent right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life.
For States that have not abolished capital punishment, Article 6 imposes strict limitations on its application. In particular, the death penalty may only be imposed for the most serious crimes, in accordance with the law in force at the time of the offence and following a final judgment by a competent court.
The UN Human Rights Committee’s General Comment No. 36 clarifies that the most serious crimes must be interpreted restrictively and limited to offences involving intentional killing.
This means that the existence of a domestic law prescribing capital punishment does not automatically make every death sentence compatible with international human rights law. OHCHR Document Store +1
5.2 Article 14 of the ICCPR – Right to a fair trial
Article 14 guarantees the right to a fair and public hearing before a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law.
These guarantees include:
* The presumption of innocence.
* Adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
* Access to legal assistance.
* The right to challenge evidence and examine witnesses.
* The right to interpretation where necessary.
* The right to appeal a conviction and sentence in accordance with law.
Where capital punishment is involved, compliance with fair trial guarantees is particularly important.
A death sentence imposed following proceedings that fail to meet the requirements of Article 14 may also raise concerns under Article 6.
5.3 Protection against torture and coerced confessions
The Convention against Torture prohibits torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Somalia is a State Party to this Convention.
Confessions obtained through torture or other prohibited treatment cannot be relied upon as legitimate evidence, except in proceedings against a person accused of torture for the purpose of establishing that such a statement was made.
CSHRD calls for independent investigations into allegations of torture, ill-treatment, intimidation and coercion during criminal investigations and detention, particularly in cases carrying the death penalty.
5.4 The Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR
The Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR aims at the abolition of the death penalty.
Somalia has not acceded to this Protocol, according to the United Nations Treaty Collection.
CSHRD encourages the Federal Government of Somalia to initiate the process towards accession, accompanied by legislative and institutional reforms leading to the abolition of capital punishment. United Nations Treaty Collection +1
### 5.5 The right to seek pardon or commutation
International standards also recognize the importance of access to pardon, commutation or other forms of clemency in capital cases.
Under Article 6(4) of the ICCPR, everyone sentenced to death has the right to seek pardon or commutation of the sentence.
This safeguard is particularly important where the judicial process may have failed to identify mitigating circumstances, procedural irregularities or new evidence.
No execution should proceed while a genuine and legally available clemency or review process remains pending.
6. Key Human Rights Concerns Identified by CSHRD
CSHRD identifies the following interconnected concerns requiring urgent attention.
| Human rights concern | Principal risk |
| ——————————- | ——————————————————————— |
| Arbitrary deprivation of life | Executions without full compliance with international standards |
| Inadequate legal representation | Defendants unable to mount an effective defence |
| Coerced confessions | Wrongful convictions based on unreliable evidence |
| Military court jurisdiction | Insufficient safeguards in civilian cases |
| Limited appellate review | Death sentences implemented without meaningful scrutiny |
| Lack of transparency | Public unable to assess the legality of proceedings |
| Broad criminalization | Capital punishment prescribed for offences beyond intentional killing |
| Inadequate clemency mechanisms | Failure to consider forgiveness, mitigation or commutation |
| Institutional fragmentation | Inconsistent safeguards across Somali territories |
6.1 Risk of wrongful and irreversible convictions
The death penalty is fundamentally different from other criminal penalties because it cannot be reversed after execution.
Even where judicial review, appeals or subsequent investigations identify wrongful convictions, the individual cannot be restored to life.
This makes the quality of criminal investigations, judicial independence, legal representation and appellate review indispensable.
6.2 Disproportionate punishment and the failure of rehabilitation
CSHRD also questions the continued reliance on irreversible punishment in a criminal justice environment that requires greater attention to rehabilitation, restorative justice and the reintegration of offenders.
A justice system should not be measured solely by its capacity to punish. It must also prevent crime, protect victims, address the circumstances that produce violence and provide opportunities for rehabilitation where appropriate.
6.3 The rights of victims and their families
CSHRD recognizes that victims of murder and their families are entitled to justice, truth, effective remedies and protection.
However, the right to justice must not be understood exclusively through the imposition of the death penalty.
Where legally appropriate and freely agreed upon, restorative justice mechanisms, reconciliation, forgiveness and compensation, including Diyya under applicable Sharia principles, may provide alternative avenues for addressing harm.
Such mechanisms must never involve coercion or deprive victims’ families of their rights.
7. CSHRD’s Position: An Immediate Moratorium on Executions
CSHRD POLICY POSITION
CSHRD calls for an immediate moratorium on all executions throughout Somalia, including the Federal Member States and northern regions, particularly Somaliland.
The Coalition believes that an immediate moratorium is necessary to prevent further irreversible loss of life while the country undertakes the institutional, legal and human rights reforms required to ensure a justice system consistent with international standards.
The moratorium should apply to all authorities exercising judicial and execution powers, including federal and regional administrations and military judicial institutions.
It should include:
* Suspension of all scheduled executions.
* Suspension of the implementation of existing death sentences pending independent review.
* No new executions while the moratorium remains in force.
* Review of all individuals currently on death row.
* Examination of cases involving alleged torture, coerced confessions or inadequate legal representation.
* Review of death sentences imposed for offences that do not involve intentional killing.
* Strengthening of judicial independence and access to effective appeals.
* Consideration of commutation and other lawful alternatives to capital punishment.
CSHRD further calls for the moratorium to serve as a transitional measure towards complete abolition rather than an indefinite administrative suspension.
8. Recommendations to the Federal Government and Somali Authorities
CSHRD urges the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States and authorities in Somaliland to take the following measures.
8.1 Immediate measures
1. Declare an immediate moratorium on executions.
All authorities exercising judicial and execution powers should immediately suspend executions pending comprehensive human rights and legal reviews.
2. Review all existing death sentences.
Establish an independent review mechanism to examine the legality of death sentences, the evidence supporting convictions, the availability of appeals and compliance with fair trial guarantees.
3. Investigate the nine executions in Somaliland.
The relevant authorities should publish sufficient information about the nine individuals executed on 11 November 2026, including:
* Their identities and the charges against them.
* The courts that convicted them.
* Whether military or civilian courts handled their cases.
* Whether legal representation was provided.
* Whether appeals were available and exhausted.
* Whether the victims’ families were consulted regarding Qisaas, forgiveness or Diyya.
* The legal and administrative authorization for each execution.
An independent assessment should establish whether all applicable constitutional, legal and human rights safeguards were respected.
4. Protect individuals currently on death row.
Ensure that no individual is executed without full judicial review, access to legal representation and consideration of all available legal remedies.
8.2 Legislative and judicial reforms
5. Restrict capital punishment pending abolition.
Review criminal legislation to ensure that capital punishment is not imposed for offences that do not involve intentional killing, in accordance with Article 6 of the ICCPR.
6. End the trial of civilians before military courts.
Military courts should not exercise jurisdiction over civilians. All defendants should receive access to independent civilian courts and effective legal representation.
7. Strengthen judicial independence.
Introduce safeguards against political, administrative and security interference in criminal proceedings.
8. Prohibit reliance on torture-derived evidence.
Strengthen independent investigations, forensic capabilities and mechanisms for identifying and excluding coerced confessions.
9. Guarantee effective appellate review.
Ensure that every individual sentenced to death has access to a meaningful appeal before an independent higher court and that executions are suspended while legally available appeals are pending.
8.3 Long-term abolition measures
10. Initiate a national legislative process towards abolition.
The Federal Government should initiate consultations with parliament, judicial institutions, legal experts, religious scholars, civil society and human rights organizations on the abolition of capital punishment.
11. Consider accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR.
Somalia should take the necessary steps towards joining the international treaty framework for the abolition of the death penalty.
12. Strengthen restorative justice and rehabilitation.
Promote lawful alternatives, including appropriate reconciliation mechanisms, forgiveness, compensation, rehabilitation and reintegration, while protecting victims’ rights.
13. Establish independent death penalty monitoring.
Create a national mechanism to document death sentences, executions, judicial proceedings, appeals and conditions of detention for individuals on death row.
9. Recommendations to the United Nations and International Community
CSHRD calls upon the United Nations, international human rights mechanisms, diplomatic missions, development partners and international human rights organizations to increase their engagement on the death penalty situation in Somalia.
Specifically, the Coalition recommends:
1. OHCHR: Strengthen monitoring and reporting on capital punishment, fair trial guarantees and the right to life in Somalia.
2. UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia: Give particular attention to executions, military court proceedings, due process and the treatment of individuals on death row.
3. UN Human Rights Committee: Continue examining Somalia’s compliance with Article 6 and Article 14 of the ICCPR.
4. UN Committee against Torture: Follow up on recommendations concerning military courts, torture, legal representation and the death penalty.
5. European Union and diplomatic missions: Engage Somali authorities in structured dialogue on the moratorium, judicial reform and abolition.
6. International human rights organizations: Support independent documentation, legal monitoring, strategic litigation and protection of human rights defenders working on criminal justice reform.
7. International development partners: Support programmes that strengthen independent courts, legal aid, forensic investigations, prison oversight and rehabilitation.
CSHRD further encourages international partners to raise the nine executions in Somaliland in their diplomatic engagements with the relevant authorities and request clarification concerning the judicial procedures followed.
10. Role of Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders
CSHRD believes that Somali civil society organizations have an essential role in advancing the protection of the right to life and promoting accountability in the administration of justice.
Human rights organizations should be able to independently monitor detention facilities, document judicial proceedings, observe trials, provide legal assistance and raise concerns about violations without intimidation or reprisals.
The Coalition encourages Somali civil society organizations, lawyers, journalists, academics, religious leaders, women’s rights organizations and community representatives to participate in a national dialogue on the future of capital punishment.
Particular attention should be given to the experiences of families of victims, individuals on death row, former detainees, women and young people affected by the criminal justice system.
CSHRD also calls for protection of human rights defenders who investigate and report on allegations of torture, unlawful detention, unfair trials and executions.
11. Conclusion: Justice Must Not Come at the Expense of the Right to Life
The continued use of capital punishment across Somalia, amid political instability, insecurity and persistent weaknesses in the administration of justice, represents a significant human rights concern.
The reported execution of nine individuals in Somaliland on 11 November 2026 demonstrates the urgency of addressing this issue. The execution of nine people in a single day, without sufficiently accessible public information about the individual judicial proceedings, reinforces the need for transparency, independent scrutiny and comprehensive procedural safeguards.
CSHRD recognizes the responsibility of the State to protect its population, investigate serious crimes and ensure justice for victims. However, the pursuit of justice cannot be separated from the obligation to protect human life, uphold due process and prevent irreversible miscarriages of justice.
The Coalition is particularly concerned about the normalization of executions as a response to criminality and security challenges. A justice system cannot overcome institutional weaknesses by expanding the use of its most irreversible punishment.
Somalia needs stronger courts, independent investigations, qualified legal representation, effective appeals, accountable security institutions and a criminal justice system grounded in human dignity.
The Coalition therefore reiterates its central position:
An immediate moratorium on executions throughout Somalia.
All federal and regional authorities, including the authorities in Somaliland, should immediately halt executions and initiate a transparent process of judicial review and legislative reform, leading towards the abolition of capital punishment.
The protection of victims, accountability for serious crimes and the right to life must be pursued together. Justice must protect society without abandoning human dignity.
CSHRD stands ready to work with Somali authorities, national human rights institutions, the United Nations, diplomatic missions, legal professionals and civil society partners to advance these objectives.
12. CSHRD Institutional Statement
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) is a Somali civil society and human rights defenders’ network established in 2014, working to advance human rights, civic space, access to justice, accountability, gender equality and the protection of human rights defenders in Somalia.
CSHRD holds ECOSOC Special Consultative Status and works with national, regional and international partners to strengthen human rights protection and accountability.
This report reflects CSHRD’s human rights advocacy position and analysis of the reported developments and applicable international standards. The Coalition has not independently examined the individual court files relating to the nine executions in Somaliland. Further primary documentation and independent verification are necessary.
Issued by:
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
Website: https://cshrds.org
Email: info@cshrds.org
“STOP EXECUTIONS. PROTECT THE RIGHT TO LIFE. JUSTICE WITHOUT THE DEATH PENALTY.”
CSHRD – Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders