MOGADISHU (Baraarug) – The justice system in Somalia is teetering on the edge, fragile and often twisted by those meant to uphold it. Not uncommon are tales of young individuals, full of hopes and dreams, who suddenly find themselves drowning in a sea of injustice. How long can this continue, one wonders, in a world where the scales of justice should balance rather than skew?

Consider the case of Abdirahman Osman—a name that may soon become synonymous with resilience amidst adversity. Like countless other youths in Somalia, Abdirahman balanced studies with dreams of higher education and a brighter path ahead. He managed a small restaurant in Jowhar, a bustling place alive with the aroma of fresh Somali cuisine—a testament to his hard work and ambition.

“He had plans, big plans,” his mother recalls, a gentle smile lingering on her lips as she speaks of Abdirahman’s ambitions to pursue university education. Those dreams, however, were abruptly interrupted on an April day in 2024.

Why, one might ask, do these dreams so often meet such harsh realities? The intricate web of power and corruption in the justice system ensnares countless voices, young and old. For Abdirahman, it was an encounter with NISA, the National Intelligence and Security Agency, that altered his course. Whisked away without explanation, he found himself in the enigmatic confines of Godka Jilaow, Mogadishu’s notorious detention facility.

Torture and mistreatment are not just words here; they are lived experiences for many inside these walls. These are practices that shouldn’t exist in any corner of the world, particularly in a place echoing cries for reform and humanity.

Abdirahman’s story is not merely about one young man’s journey through the fissures of state power. It mirrors the broader struggle for justice and the undeniable strength found even in harrowing circumstances. How, then, do we move forward from such stories that grip our conscience?

Perhaps it lies in lending our voices to those whose calls for justice seem to be swallowed in silence. As Nelson Mandela once said, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” We can no longer stand by and watch as the future of a nation dangles precariously.

The road to change is fraught with challenges, yet at its heart, inspiring stories like Abdirahman’s illustrate an indomitable spirit. They remind us that every effort counts, every voice matters, and every step toward justice shouldn’t be underestimated.

As you reflect on these issues, let me leave you with a thought: If justice is skewed, how far can a society truly progress? The story of Abdirahman Osman is but a microcosm of a larger narrative—a narrative that beckons to be rewritten with hope, integrity, and true justice at its core.

Watch his story, and join the dialogue for a better tomorrow.