Freedom of speech and human rights—the very foundations of modern civilization—are visibly eroding. The global agreements designed to protect human dignity appear to have collapsed. The international treaties meant to uphold human rights have become hollow texts, no longer respected nor enforced.

Religious tolerance has been undermined. The legal principles that once protected freedom of belief are being ignored with increasing boldness. Discrimination and disrespect for religious practices are now a common occurrence across many parts of the world.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump has shown a disturbing admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia and Kim Jong-un of North Korea. He has expressed a desire for unchecked power—an alarming trend for the supposed leader of the free world.

In Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made statements that suggest he has no intention of stepping down anytime soon. He reportedly said:

"If I had known that Farmaajo could abuse the Hawiye community this badly, I swear I would never have stepped down.”

This statement reveals a hidden agenda: a desire to cling to power for at least 20 years. It is a clear message that he has no plans to relinquish authority, even as Somalia struggles under the weight of crisis after crisis.

Life in Somalia is extremely difficult.

• Unemployment among the youth is rampant.

• Families are barely surviving.

• Access to healthcare and education is extremely expensive.

• Many people lack even clean drinking water.

Thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) are living in dire conditions in Mogadishu. Recently, many were evicted and their shelters destroyed, leaving them homeless once again—all to make way for political or commercial interests.

While the Somali political elite bicker over power-sharing and dividing the nation’s resources, they completely ignore the suffering of the poor and vulnerable.

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This is a wake-up call. Enough is enough.

It’s time for the Somali people—and the international community—to rise up and speak out. We must reclaim justice, protect our freedoms, and hold our leaders accountable.

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Written by: Dahir Alasow
Editor-in-Chief, Waagacusub Media
www.waagacusub.com