Baraawe Human Rights Protection

VIOLATIONS OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION OF SOMALIA

The alleged seizure, demolition and takeover of privately owned property in Towfiiq District raises serious constitutional concerns under the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Article 26 — Right to Property

Article 26 of the Federal Constitution guarantees every person the right to own, use, enjoy, sell and transfer property.

The Constitution further provides that the State may compulsorily acquire property only where there is a public interest, and that any person whose property is acquired for that purpose has the right to just compensation, either as agreed by the parties or determined by a court. (Constitute Project⁠)

Therefore, the alleged forcible seizure or destruction of privately owned land and homes without lawful authority, due process and appropriate compensation would raise a serious constitutional issue.

Article 19 — Inviolability of the Home

Article 19 establishes that a person’s home and other dwelling places are inviolable and that entry, search or surveillance may not take place without a reasoned order from a judge, subject to the constitutional requirements governing such orders. (Constitute Project⁠)

The destruction of a family home by force therefore demands immediate investigation into the legal authority under which such action was allegedly undertaken.

Article 43 — Land

Article 43 establishes constitutional principles governing land in Somalia. It provides, among other things, for equitable and sustainable management of land and requires national land policy to ensure:

* Equity in land allocation and use of resources;
* Guarantees of land ownership and registration;
* Prompt and satisfactory resolution of land and property disputes;
* Protection against violations of the rights of small landowners;
* And appropriate regulation of land control and use. (Constitute Project⁠)

The alleged takeover of privately owned land through force, intimidation or government-linked authority is therefore a matter that must be examined against these constitutional protections.

Article 12 — Public Rights

The fundamental rights and freedoms recognized by the Constitution are intended to protect individuals from unlawful interference and to establish the obligations of public institutions toward citizens.

Article 13 — Rights and Human Dignity

The Constitution recognizes fundamental rights and freedoms as the foundation of Somalia’s constitutional order. Any exercise of public authority must therefore be consistent with constitutional rights and human dignity.

Article 14 — Equality of Citizens

All citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law. Political influence, government connections, military status or economic power cannot lawfully place one citizen above another.

Article 15 — Liberty and Security of the Person

The constitutional protection of personal liberty and security reinforces the obligation of public authorities to ensure that citizens are not subjected to arbitrary coercion, intimidation or abuse of state power.

Article 20 — Freedom of Assembly, Demonstration, Protest and Petition

Article 20 recognizes the right of citizens to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, protest and petition governmental institutions. Citizens who seek accountability for alleged unlawful land seizures or destruction of their homes must therefore be able to raise their grievances peacefully and lawfully. (Constitute Project⁠)

THE CONSTITUTION MUST PROTECT THE WEAK AGAINST THE POWERFUL

Baraawe Human Rights Protection emphasizes that the Constitution cannot be treated as a document that protects citizens only in theory.

If a poor civilian, displaced family or serving soldier can have their property taken or their home demolished simply because they lack political influence, then the constitutional promise of property protection and the rule of law is being undermined.

The central constitutional questions are therefore clear:

Where is the legal authority for the seizure?

Where is the court order, if one was required?

Where is the due process?

Where is the compensation required by Article 26 where compulsory acquisition is lawful?

Where is the protection guaranteed to landowners under Article 43?

And who will be held accountable if state power was unlawfully used to destroy or seize private property?

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls upon the Federal Government of Somalia, the relevant Federal Member State authorities, judicial institutions, the Federal Parliament, the United Nations and international human-rights partners to ensure that these constitutional questions receive a transparent and independent answer.

The Constitution must protect the citizen from the abuse of power—not provide power with a shield against accountability.

OUR CONSTITUTIONAL DEMAND

We therefore demand:

1. Immediate cessation of any further demolition, seizure or transfer of the disputed private property until its legal status is independently determined.
2. An independent investigation into the alleged seizure and demolition.
3. Production of all legal orders, land documents and authorizations relied upon by the authorities or individuals involved.
4. Judicial determination of ownership and any legitimate land dispute.
5. Restoration of property where unlawful seizure is established.
6. Just compensation where property was lawfully acquired for a genuine public interest, as required by Article 26.
7. Accountability for any official, commander or individual found to have abused public authority.
8. Protection of the affected families from intimidation, retaliation or further displacement.

The Constitution belongs to every Somali citizen.

Private property must be protected.
Homes must be respected.
Land rights must be upheld.
State power must remain subject to law.
And justice must apply equally to the powerful and the powerless.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection

For Human Rights, Constitutional Protection, Justice, Property Rights and Accountability in Somalia

PRESS RELEASE

Baraawe Human Rights Protection Condemns Forced Evictions, Alleged Extortion and Seizure of Civilian Land in Mogadishu

Calls for Constitutional Protection, Accountability and Immediate National and International Human Rights Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — 14 AUGUST 2026

Baraawe Human Rights Protection strongly condemns the continuing reports of forced evictions, intimidation, extortion, demolition of civilian homes and seizure of privately owned land and properties in Mogadishu.

The organisation is particularly alarmed by reports that civilian property owners are being threatened with eviction and demanded to pay thousands of US dollars to prevent their homes from being demolished and their land taken over.

According to accounts from affected civilians and community members, the situation is reportedly continuing on a daily basis, with numerous homes allegedly being demolished when owners cannot or refuse to pay the money demanded from them.

These are not merely rumours circulating on social media. Victims themselves have publicly come forward and described their experiences. Baraawe Human Rights Protection considers these testimonies extremely serious and calls for immediate investigation and accountability.

THE CASE OF 88-YEAR-OLD MOTHER SAYNAB WADDANI

Baraawe Human Rights Protection is particularly concerned about the case of 88-year-old Mother Saynab Waddani, who has publicly spoken about what she says happened to her.

In a widely circulated video, Mother Saynab appears distressed and describes what she alleges was the forced removal of her from her home and land.

She alleges that armed individuals wearing government uniforms were involved and that she was pressured to pay thousands of dollars or face the demolition of her home and the takeover of her property.

Mother Saynab has also publicly described her physical difficulties and the circumstances affecting her family.

Her testimony represents a direct first-person account from an alleged victim and must not be ignored.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls upon the relevant authorities to investigate her allegations, examine her property documents and establish who authorised any eviction or demolition.

HER CLAIMED SERVICE TO SOMALIA

Mother Saynab has also stated publicly that she was among the Somali forces who defended Somalia during the 1977–1978 Somalia-Ethiopia war.

She says she fought in several areas, including Wal-waal, Wardheer, Ceel-Dibir, Dhagaxbuur and Godey, and that she was eventually injured in Biyo-kulul in the Siti region.

Her individual military-service history should be independently verified through available records and documentation.

Nevertheless, her account raises an important national question:

How should Somalia treat elderly citizens who claim to have sacrificed their youth and health defending the country?

THE SOMALI CONSTITUTION PROTECTS PROPERTY RIGHTS

Baraawe Human Rights Protection reminds the Somali authorities that the Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia (2012) provides important protections for property and land ownership.

Article 26 — Right to Property

Article 26 recognises the right of individuals to own, use, enjoy, sell and transfer property and establishes safeguards concerning compulsory acquisition by the State.

Article 43 — Land

Article 43 requires the State’s land policy to guarantee land ownership and registration, ensure that land and property disputes are resolved appropriately and protect the rights of small landowners.

Therefore, a genuine property dispute must be addressed through competent courts and lawful procedures, not through intimidation, threats, force or unilateral seizure.

INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION

The protection of property and the prohibition of arbitrary deprivation are also recognised under international and regional human-rights frameworks.

Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises the right to own property and states that no person should be arbitrarily deprived of it.

Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights protects the right to property and provides safeguards concerning deprivation of property.

Article 31 of the Arab Charter on Human Rights also protects private property and prohibits arbitrary or unlawful deprivation.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection therefore calls upon relevant institutions of the United Nations, African Union and Arab League, as well as international human-rights organisations, to monitor credible allegations concerning forced eviction and unlawful seizure of civilian property in Somalia.

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH HAS DOCUMENTED FORCED EVICTIONS

The concerns being raised today must also be understood within Somalia’s wider history of forced displacement.

Human Rights Watch has previously documented forced evictions in Mogadishu, including cases involving displaced communities whose shelters were demolished and people left without adequate protection.

This history demonstrates why allegations of forced eviction and the misuse of government authority against civilians require serious scrutiny.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls for lessons from previous documented cases to be applied so that civilians are not repeatedly exposed to unlawful displacement and property insecurity.

THE PROBLEM IS REPORTEDLY AFFECTING DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF SOCIETY

The organisation is concerned that allegations surrounding property disputes and forced evictions are not limited to ordinary residents.

Public concerns have also referenced Somali artists, elderly property owners, civilians and members or former senior officers of the Somali Police Force, including allegations involving General Jeylani Mohamed Shekhuna.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection stresses that every individual case should be independently examined and that specific allegations against individuals should not be treated as proven without credible evidence.

However, the broader concern remains:

If people with public standing and professional backgrounds struggle to protect their property, what protection does an ordinary Somali citizen have?

NO CITIZEN SHOULD PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO KEEP THEIR OWN HOME

Baraawe Human Rights Protection is deeply concerned by reports that civilians are allegedly being forced to pay thousands of dollars under threat of eviction or demolition.

If established through investigation, such conduct could raise serious concerns regarding extortion, intimidation, abuse of authority and unlawful deprivation of property.

No citizen should be forced to choose between:

PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS UNDER THREAT — OR LOSING THEIR HOME.

Land ownership must be determined through documents, evidence, law and due process.

It must not be determined by who has the most money, political influence, weapons or access to government institutions.

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS MUST PROTECT CITIZENS

Baraawe Human Rights Protection is particularly concerned by allegations that government facilities, vehicles, institutions, personnel or security forces may be involved in civilian property disputes.

If such allegations are established, the misuse of public authority to facilitate private property seizure would be an extremely serious matter.

Government institutions belong to the Somali people.

They must be used to protect citizens and enforce the law, not to dispossess citizens of their homes and land.

A government uniform must never become a licence to take civilian property.

A government vehicle must never become a tool for enforcing a private land claim.

A public institution must never be used to intimidate a civilian into surrendering legally owned property.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

We call upon the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Parliament, judiciary, relevant land authorities, Somali Human Rights Commission and other competent institutions to:

1. Immediately investigate allegations of forced evictions and property demolitions in Mogadishu.
2. Investigate reports of civilians being demanded thousands of dollars under threat of eviction or demolition.
3. Establish whether government personnel, security forces, vehicles or facilities have been used in private property disputes.
4. Protect elderly and vulnerable property owners.
5. Ensure that no civilian is removed from their property without lawful authority and due process.
6. Ensure that land disputes are resolved through competent and independent judicial institutions.
7. Investigate allegations of extortion, intimidation and unlawful property seizure.
8. Provide effective legal remedies to affected civilians.
9. Hold accountable anyone found to have abused government authority or unlawfully seized civilian property.
10. Strengthen land registration and property-dispute mechanisms.
11. Permit independent human-rights organisations and civil society groups to document and monitor alleged forced evictions.

A CALL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls upon the United Nations, African Union, Arab League, Human Rights Watch and other international human-rights organisations to closely monitor credible reports of forced eviction, property seizure, extortion and possible misuse of state institutions in Somalia.

The organisation urges international partners to support independent investigations, legal assistance, human-rights monitoring and protection of vulnerable civilians.

JUSTICE MUST COME BEFORE POWER

Baraawe Human Rights Protection does not seek to determine individual property ownership through a press statement. Such disputes should be determined by competent courts based on evidence and applicable law.

But no government official, security officer, businessman, political actor or private individual should be above the law.

LAND DISPUTES MUST BE DECIDED BY LAW — NOT FORCE.

PRIVATE PROPERTY MUST BE PROTECTED — NOT TAKEN THROUGH INTIMIDATION.

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS MUST PROTECT CITIZENS — NOT DISPOSSESS THEM.

THE CONSTITUTION MUST PROTECT THE POWERLESS AS MUCH AS THE POWERFUL.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls for immediate, impartial and transparent investigations into the allegations emerging from Mogadishu and for meaningful protection of all civilians whose homes and property may be at risk.

No Somali citizen should lose their home because they cannot afford to pay money demanded under threat.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection

Human Rights • Rule of Law • Justice • Constitutional Protection • Protection of Civilians

14 August 2026

URGENT INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT

SOMALIA: Baraawe Human Rights Protection Demands the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Imprisoned Activist Sadia Moalim Ali

Human rights organisation raises serious concerns over freedom of expression, peaceful protest, judicial independence and the separation of a mother from her young child

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — 8 AUGUST 2026

Baraawe Human Rights Protection (BHRP) is urgently calling on the Federal Government of Somalia to immediately and unconditionally release Somali activist, tuk-tuk driver and mother Sadia Moalim Ali, whose imprisonment has raised serious concerns regarding freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, due process, women’s rights and the protection of human-rights defenders.

Sadia Moalim Ali was arrested in Mogadishu on 12 April 2026, reportedly by officers of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), following her activism on social media and participation in peaceful protests.

She was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on 25 June 2026.

According to Sadia’s account provided to Amnesty International, she believes that her arrest, prosecution and imprisonment were politically motivated and connected to her decision to speak publicly about problems affecting ordinary Somali citizens.

Amnesty International has separately campaigned for Sadia’s immediate and unconditional release.

BHRP considers the circumstances surrounding Sadia’s detention to be a matter of urgent international human-rights concern and calls for her case to be subjected to an independent, impartial and transparent judicial review.

SOMALIA’S CONSTITUTION PROTECTS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

The rights at the centre of Sadia’s case are not only recognised under international human-rights principles; they are also protected by Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Constitution.

ARTICLE 18 — FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND OPINION

Article 18 recognises the right of every person to express opinions and to receive and impart opinions, information and ideas.

The Constitution also protects freedom of speech and freedom of the media, including electronic and web-based media.

These constitutional protections are particularly relevant to Sadia’s reported use of social media to discuss issues affecting Somali society.

BHRP therefore calls upon the Somali authorities to ensure that no citizen is arbitrarily detained or imprisoned merely for peacefully expressing an opinion, criticising public policy or raising matters of legitimate public concern.

Freedom of expression must apply to citizens even when their opinions are critical of those in positions of political authority.

ARTICLE 20 — THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY AND PROTEST

Somalia’s Constitution also recognises the right to peaceful civic participation.

Article 20 protects the right to organise and participate in meetings and to demonstrate and protest peacefully. It also recognises the right to submit petitions to state institutions.

These constitutional protections are directly relevant to reports concerning Sadia’s participation in peaceful protests.

BHRP emphasises that peaceful protest is a legitimate form of civic participation through which citizens can raise concerns, demand accountability and call for improvements in their communities.

A person should not be criminalised simply for participating peacefully in public life.

THE CONSTITUTION MUST BE PROTECTED IN PRACTICE

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls upon the Federal Government of Somalia to ensure that constitutional rights are respected not only in principle but also in practice.

A constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression cannot have meaningful effect if citizens are punished for exercising that freedom peacefully.

Security institutions, prosecutors and courts have a responsibility to operate within the Constitution and applicable law.

BHRP therefore urges all relevant Somali authorities to ensure that Sadia’s case is free from political interference, intimidation or improper pressure.

SADIA’S ACCOUNT OF HER ARREST AND DETENTION

Sadia has stated that she believes her imprisonment was retaliation for speaking publicly about difficulties affecting ordinary Somalis.

According to her account, following her sentencing, individuals from different government institutions visited her in detention and pressured her to apologise to the President, acknowledge wrongdoing and seek a pardon.

She has further alleged that on 29 June 2026, individuals who said they had been sent by the government offered her freedom if she agreed to remain silent.

Sadia has also stated that a senior government official subsequently offered her employment on the same condition.

She says she rejected these proposals because she did not accept that she had committed an offence.

BHRP stresses that these are allegations and statements attributed to Sadia and should be independently investigated. BHRP does not present them as independently established facts.

If substantiated, however, such conduct would raise extremely serious concerns regarding intimidation, coercion and the potential misuse of state authority.

A MOTHER SEPARATED FROM HER YOUNG CHILD

BHRP is deeply concerned about the reported impact of Sadia’s imprisonment on her young daughter.

Sadia has stated that her daughter was approximately one year old and still breastfeeding when she was sentenced.

She says that she has not been permitted to see her daughter since her detention and that members of her family have also been unable to visit her.

The reported separation of a young child from her mother represents a serious humanitarian concern.

BHRP urges the Somali authorities to take the welfare and best interests of the child into consideration and to facilitate appropriate contact between Sadia and her daughter.

The organisation also calls upon the authorities to consider the wider consequences of detention on children and families.

CONCERNS ABOUT SADIA’S HEALTH

Sadia has reported that her physical health has deteriorated while in detention.

According to her account, she is experiencing a number of health problems, including:

* A kidney condition;
* Asthma;
* Eye pain;
* Hearing difficulties;
* Skin problems and wounds; and
* Significant weight loss.

She has also alleged that her hearing problems began after a police officer struck her on the ear during her arrest.

Sadia says she has not had adequate access to medical care.

BHRP calls for an immediate and independent medical assessment of Sadia and for any necessary treatment to be provided without delay.

The organisation further calls for an independent investigation into any allegation of physical mistreatment during her arrest or detention.

A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO SPEAK MUST BE PROTECTED

Sadia’s case also highlights the challenges faced by Somali women who seek to participate openly in public affairs.

Women have the same fundamental rights as men to express opinions, participate in peaceful demonstrations, advocate for their communities and engage in public debate.

BHRP believes that women must not be discouraged from exercising these rights through intimidation, discrimination, arbitrary detention or imprisonment.

The organisation calls upon the Somali Government to ensure that women activists and human-rights defenders can participate safely and freely in civic life.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL’S CONCERNS

Amnesty International has publicly raised concerns about Sadia’s detention and has called for her immediate and unconditional release.

Amnesty International has campaigned for her release through its human-rights advocacy mechanisms and has drawn international attention to her case.

BHRP welcomes international scrutiny of the case and calls upon other human-rights organisations, diplomatic missions and international institutions to continue monitoring Sadia’s situation.

SADIA DESERVES AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL REVIEW

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls for any appeal or review of Sadia’s conviction to be conducted by a genuinely independent, impartial and competent judicial authority.

The process must be free from political influence, intimidation and improper interference.

Sadia must have a genuine opportunity to challenge her conviction and have her case determined on the basis of evidence and applicable law.

If an independent review establishes that she was imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising her fundamental rights, BHRP calls for her immediate and unconditional release.

BHRP’S URGENT DEMANDS TO THE SOMALI GOVERNMENT

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls upon the Federal Government of Somalia to:

1. RELEASE SADIA MOALIM ALI

Immediately and unconditionally release Sadia if her imprisonment is found to be connected solely to the peaceful exercise of her fundamental rights.

2. UPHOLD ARTICLE 18

Respect Article 18 of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution and protect freedom of opinion, expression, speech and electronic and web-based communication.

3. UPHOLD ARTICLE 20

Respect Article 20 and protect peaceful meetings, demonstrations, protests and petitions.

4. PROTECT HER FROM RETALIATION

Guarantee Sadia’s safety and protect her from threats, intimidation, harassment or retaliation.

5. PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE

Ensure immediate access to independent medical professionals and appropriate medical treatment.

6. INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF MISTREATMENT

Conduct an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of physical mistreatment during her arrest and detention.

7. INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF PRESSURE AND INTIMIDATION

Investigate claims that Sadia was pressured to remain silent or offered freedom or employment in exchange for abandoning her activism.

8. GUARANTEE JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE

Ensure that any appeal or judicial review is conducted independently, impartially and without political interference.

9. PROTECT FAMILY CONTACT

Ensure appropriate and regular contact between Sadia, her young daughter and her family, consistent with applicable law and the best interests of the child.

10. PROTECT WOMEN HUMAN-RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Ensure that women activists and all Somali citizens can peacefully exercise their constitutional rights without fear of arbitrary detention, intimidation or retaliation.

APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls upon the United Nations, African Union, European Union, United Kingdom, United States, diplomatic missions, international human-rights organisations, international media organisations and Somalia’s international partners to urgently monitor Sadia Moalim Ali’s case.

International partners should raise her case directly with the Somali authorities and seek clear guarantees regarding:

* Her physical safety;
* Access to independent medical care;
* Family contact;
* Due process;
* Judicial independence;
* Protection from retaliation; and
* Respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

BHRP further urges international media organisations to continue reporting on Sadia’s case and the wider question of civic freedoms in Somalia.

SADIA’S MESSAGE: “DO NOT REMAIN SILENT”

Despite her imprisonment, Sadia has urged people not to remain silent.

She has called on those who can write to write, those who can speak to speak, and those who can share her story to continue raising awareness.

BHRP echoes that call.

Peaceful citizens should not have to choose between silence and imprisonment when raising concerns about their communities.

THIS CASE IS BIGGER THAN ONE PERSON

Baraawe Human Rights Protection stresses that Sadia’s case has implications far beyond her individual circumstances.

It concerns whether Somali citizens can criticise public authorities without fear.

It concerns whether women can participate freely in public life.

It concerns the rights of activists and social-media users.

It concerns the right to participate peacefully in demonstrations.

And it concerns whether the constitutional freedoms promised to Somali citizens are genuinely protected in practice.

AN URGENT CALL FOR ACTION

Baraawe Human Rights Protection calls upon the Federal Government of Somalia to act immediately.

Sadia Moalim Ali must not be punished merely for peacefully expressing opinions or participating in peaceful civic activities.

The Somali authorities must ensure her safety, provide appropriate medical care, permit appropriate family contact, investigate the allegations surrounding her detention and guarantee an independent judicial process.

Where her imprisonment is found to be solely connected to the peaceful exercise of her fundamental rights, she must be released immediately and unconditionally.

FREE SADIA MOALIM ALI

UPHOLD THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION OF SOMALIA

PROTECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

PROTECT PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY AND PROTEST

PROTECT WOMEN HUMAN-RIGHTS DEFENDERS

JUSTICE FOR SADIA — JUSTICE FOR HER CHILD

SOURCE AND REFERENCE

Source: Amnesty International

Baraawe Human Rights Protection acknowledges Amnesty International as a principal human-rights source concerning the case of Sadia Moalim Ali.

Information regarding Sadia’s arrest, detention, conviction, personal account, reported health concerns and Amnesty International’s call for her immediate and unconditional release is based, in part, on information and advocacy published by Amnesty International.

BHRP encourages journalists, diplomatic missions, human-rights organisations and other interested parties to consult Amnesty International’s original materials concerning Sadia’s case for further information and verification.

ISSUED BY

Zahra Omar
Deputy Executive Director
Baraawe Human Rights Protection
Email: [email protected]