Quarter I Human Rights Report (January – March 2026)
Somalia
Prepared by: Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
Executive Summary
During the first quarter of 2026, Somalia experienced a continued deterioration in the human rights situation, marked by a shrinking civic space, widespread violations against Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), forced evictions, arbitrary detention, and the persistent use of torture in detention facilities.
The pre-electoral context has intensified repression, while the humanitarian crisis remains severe. These patterns reflect systemic failures in governance, accountability, and adherence to international human rights obligations.
Legal and Normative Framework
Somalia is bound by several international and regional human rights instruments, including:
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
- Convention Against Torture (CAT)
- African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
These instruments guarantee:
- Freedom of expression (ICCPR, Art. 19)
- Protection from arbitrary detention (ICCPR, Art. 9)
- Absolute prohibition of torture (CAT, Art. 2)
- Protection of human dignity and participation in governance (ACHPR)
The violations documented in this report demonstrate serious breaches of these obligations.
Shrinking Civic Space: Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom
The right to freedom of expression is increasingly restricted.
- Journalists face arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and censorship.
- Authorities and armed actors exert control over media narratives.
- Digital surveillance has expanded, targeting online dissent.
Case Study 1: Arbitrary Arrest of Journalist
In February 2026, a journalist in Mogadishu was detained after reporting on corruption allegations. He was held without charge and denied legal representation. On Monday 23 February, Abdihafid Nor, who reports for Somali Cable TV and actively publishes on Facebook, had posted about the dismissal of four unit commanders from the Turkish-trained Gorgor forces. According to his report, the officers were “removed following a dispute over orders to deduct $100 from the allowances of soldiers who were injured or fell ill while serving in the unit”. The four commanders reportedly rejected the order, leading to their immediate dismissal. ¹
Case Study 2: On 12 April, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) arrested a local woman activist, Sadia Moalin Ali, who had spoken critically about youth unemployment, rising fuel prices, and taxation imposed on Mogadishu’s tuk-tuk drivers—issues that had sparked repeated protests in the city in March.²
Legal Analysis:
This constitutes a violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects freedom of expression, and Article 9 concerning arbitrary detention.
Human Rights Defenders at Risk
HRDs face escalating threats, with limited or no protection.
- Targeted attacks by state and non-state actors
- Gender-specific risks for WHRDs
- Lack of relocation or emergency protection mechanisms
Case Study 3: WHRD Forced into Hiding
A WHRD advocating against forced marriage received death threats and was forced to relocate after authorities failed to respond. (Case verified and documented by CSHRD)
Legal Analysis:
This reflects failure to uphold the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Forced Evictions
Forced evictions continue without safeguards.
- No prior notice, consultation, or compensation
- Disproportionate impact on IDPs
- Use of force by authorities
Case Study 4: Large-Scale Evictions in Mogadishu
Over 1500 families were forcibly evicted, with shelters destroyed and no alternative housing provided.
In the first quarter of 2026, Mogadishu witnessed a deeply alarming wave of forced evictions carried out by state authorities, affecting over 1,500 vulnerable families, the majority of whom were internally displaced persons. Entire settlements were demolished, often without prior notice, consultation, or compensation, leaving families—including women, children, and the elderly—homeless overnight. Reports indicate that security forces were involved in enforcing these evictions, at times using coercive measures. The destruction of shelters without provision of alternative housing has created a humanitarian emergency, exposing affected communities to extreme hardship, protection risks, and further displacement. Concerns have been raised by human rights actors that such evictions may be linked to revenue generation and politically driven land interests in the lead-up to the electoral period, underscoring the urgent need for independent investigation and accountability. ⁴
Legal Analysis:
Violates the right to adequate housing under international human rights law and protections against forced displacement.
Arbitrary Detention
Arbitrary detention remains systemic.
- Individuals detained without warrants
- Lack of judicial oversight
- Targeting of activists and political opponents
Case Study 5: Detention of Youth Activists
Three youth activists were detained for organizing a peaceful gathering and held without charge. Sadia Moalim Ali, also known as “Sadia Bajaj,” was arrested on April 12 in Hodan district by officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). She was initially held at Hamar Jajab Police Station for two days before being transferred to Mogadishu Central Prison on April 14, where she continues to be detained. ⁵
Legal Analysis:
Violation of Articles 9 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (freedom of assembly and liberty).
Torture and Ill-Treatment
Torture is used as a tool of coercion in detention facilities.
- Physical and psychological abuse
- Forced confessions
- Lack of accountability
Case Study 6: Torture in Custody
A detainee reported beatings and sleep deprivation during interrogation.
Legal Analysis:
A direct violation of the Convention Against Torture, which prohibits torture under all circumstances. Story out of the Most Brutal Torture Secret Facility in Mogadishu: ¨ The door slammed with a hollow metallic echo, sealing Xasan into the darkness.
He had lost track of time—hours, maybe days. In the windowless cell, there was no sunrise, no night, only the heavy breathing of fear and the distant sounds of boots on concrete.
“Stand up.” The command came again. Xasan tried, his body trembling. His legs barely held him. He hadn’t slept—not really—not since they brought him in. Each time his eyes closed, a shout, a bang, or a sudden blow would drag him back into wakefulness.
“Confess,” one voice demanded. “I have nothing to confess,” he whispered, his lips dry, cracked.
The first strike came fast. A sharp pain exploded across his back, sending him to the floor. Then another. And another. Not in rage—worse—methodical, practiced.
They weren’t trying to kill him. They were trying to break him.
Hours blurred into something shapeless. He was dragged up, questioned, struck, left alone, only to be pulled back again. Sleep was no longer rest—it was a weapon denied to him. His thoughts began to fracture. Reality bent at the edges.
At one point, he thought he heard his mother’s voice.
“Just say it,” the interrogator said quietly this time, almost gently. “Say what we need, and you can sleep.”
Sleep. The word itself felt like mercy.
Xasan’s head dropped. His body no longer felt like his own. Truth and lies tangled in his mind, indistinguishable.
“I… I’ll say it,” he murmured. Silence followed—then the sound of a pen clicking.
In that moment, the room changed. The violence stopped. The questions ended.
Not because justice had been found—
but because the confession they wanted had finally been taken.
And somewhere in the stillness, Xasan understood, it was never about the truth. ¨ ⁶
Political Tensions Ahead of Elections
The electoral context has contributed to repression.
- Suppression of opposition activities
- Restrictions on political gatherings
- Increased risk of conflict
Case Study 7: Disruption of Political Assembly
Security forces dispersed a peaceful opposition gathering and detained participants. In the current pre-electoral context in Somalia, restrictions on political participation are increasingly evident. In a recent incident, security forces forcibly dispersed a peaceful opposition gathering and detained several participants, reflecting a broader pattern of suppressing dissent and limiting civic engagement.
These developments have raised serious concerns among human rights observers that state institutions are being used in ways that may undermine democratic processes and fundamental freedoms in the lead-up to elections. Such actions risk eroding public trust, weakening political stability, and compromising the conditions necessary for free, fair, and inclusive electoral participation. ⁷
Legal Analysis:
Violates rights to political participation and peaceful assembly under ICCPR Articles 21 and 25.
Humanitarian Situation
Somalia continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis.
- Widespread displacement due to conflict and drought
- Acute food insecurity
- Limited access to essential services
Case Study 8: Displaced Family in Crisis
A drought-displaced family in Bay region is living in extreme conditions without adequate food or healthcare.
Legal Analysis:
Reflects violations of economic and social rights, including the right to food, water, and health. ⁸
Prisoner Exchange Between North-eastern Authorities and Somaliland
A prisoner exchange occurred between Puntland authorities and Somaliland. ⁹
- Potential confidence-building measure
- Concerns about prior detention conditions and lack of oversight
Following recent statements by Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro indicating readiness to proceed with a prisoner exchange, the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) notes the renewed momentum for a swap between authorities in northeastern Somalia and the Somaliland administration. While such exchanges can serve as important confidence-building measures and contribute to de-escalation, concerns remain regarding prior detention conditions, treatment of detainees, and the absence of independent oversight.
CSHRD urges all parties to facilitate a transparent, timely, and humane prisoner of war (POW) exchange in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights standards. This includes ensuring the dignity, safety, and medical care of all detainees, as well as allowing independent monitoring throughout the process.
Case Study 10: Testimony of Released Detainee
A former detainee reported overcrowding, lack of medical care, and ill-treatment before release. “I was kept in a room so crowded that we had to sleep in turns. There was no space to lie down—only to sit, pressed against each other. The air was thick, and people were coughing all the time.
When I became sick, I asked for help, but no one came. There was no doctor, no medicine—only pain. Some detainees had visible injuries, but they were ignored. We were treated as if we did not matter.
At times, guards would shout at us or use force without reason. Fear was constant. You never knew when it would be your turn.
When I was finally released, my body was weak, but what stayed with me most was the feeling that we had been forgotten—left without dignity, without care, without hope.”
Legal Analysis:
Raises concerns under international humanitarian and human rights law regarding treatment of detainees.
Key Recommendations
To the Federal Government of Somalia:
- End arbitrary arrests and ensure judicial oversight
- Investigate and prosecute torture cases
- Protect journalists and HRDs
- Halt forced evictions and provide durable solutions
To Regional Authorities:
- Ensure humane treatment of detainees
- Guarantee transparency in detention and prisoner exchanges
To the International Community:
- Support HRD relocation and protection programs
- Increase humanitarian funding
- Engage in electoral monitoring and conflict prevention
Conclusion
The human rights situation in Somalia during Q1 2026 reflects a pattern of systemic violations and weakening rule of law. Without urgent intervention, these trends risk further destabilization, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.
CSHRD calls for immediate national and international action to ensure accountability, protection, and respect for fundamental human rights.
References
3 – Case was documented and verified and withheld by CSHRD
4 Securitas Direct es ahora Verisure®. Tu compañía de siempre, más que fuerte que nunca.
5 Amnesty International calls for release of detained activist Sadia Bajaj – Hiiraan Online
9 Somaliland Pursues Peace: First POW Exchange with Puntland Completed – Somaliland.com
10 – Verified, documented and withheld by CSHRD