In contrast to the rest of sub-Saharan Africa where many countries are working towards abolishing the death penalty, Somalia has experienced a significant increase in executions. Kenya, Liberia, Zimbabwe, and Ghana have taken positive steps to abolish the death penalty. Amnesty International reported that Somalia was the only country in the region to carry out executions in 2023.
Most executions in Somalia were carried out by shooting, and the death sentences were given for a variety of crimes, often following unfair trials. In 2023, Somalia issued 31 new death sentences, compared to 10 the previous year, indicating a higher reliance on capital punishment.
Globally, the number of executions increased by 30% in 2023, largely due to a rise in Iran, accounting for 74% of recorded executions. However, the number of countries carrying out executions decreased to 16, the lowest ever reported by Amnesty International, signaling a growing trend towards abolishing the death penalty.
Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases, citing it as a violation of the right to life and a cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. The report highlights human rights violations in Somalia, including concerns about fair trials and the use of coercion to obtain confessions.
While some countries are making progress towards abolishing the death penalty, Somalia is heading in the opposite direction, causing concern among human rights organizations.
