According to opposition figures and civil society sources, more than 123 women have reportedly been detained in Mogadishu in connection with political protests and land-rights disputes.

Those reportedly detained include:

• university students,
• local activists,
• medical professionals,
• and civilians accused of participating in demonstrations.

Among the names frequently mentioned by activists are Dr. Habibo Abdi Halane and Sadia Moalim Ali, a young woman reportedly known for previously working as a Bajaj (auto-rickshaw) driver in Mogadishu.

Serious Allegations Emerging From Detention Facilities

Unverified allegations from individuals described as prison and security insiders claim that female detainees may have faced intimidation, abuse, and degrading treatment while in custody.

Some sources alleged that detainees were subjected to coercion and threats intended to silence criticism and discourage political activism.

These claims have not been independently verified, and no official response has yet been issued addressing the specific allegations.

Accusations Against Security Officials

Opposition groups have accused certain security officials of involvement in:

• violent crackdowns,
• unlawful detentions,
• forced evictions,
• and abuses against civilians during security operations.

Banadir Regional Police Commander Mahdi Omar ("Moalim Mahdi”) has been publicly accused by opposition figures of involvement in controversial land-related operations and abuses against residents. No formal charges or judicial findings regarding these allegations have been announced.

Meanwhile, a source identified as a member of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) reportedly denied institutional involvement by the agency in allegations of abuse and torture.

Children Reportedly Killed During Operations

Human rights advocates and community leaders have also raised concerns regarding recent police and intelligence operations in Mogadishu and Baydhabo that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, including minors.

Independent verification of casualty figures and specific allegations remains difficult due to the volatile security situation.

Growing Political and Human Rights Concerns

Civil society groups warn that the detention of women and youth linked to demonstrations represents a troubling escalation in Somalia’s political crisis.

Observers note that this is being described by activists as one of the first times in Somalia’s modern political history that women and children have allegedly faced large-scale detention connected to political protests and land-rights disputes.

Human rights organizations continue calling for:

• independent investigations,
• protection of civilians,
• due process for detainees,
• and accountability for any abuses committed during security operations.

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