Mogadishu: Voices of Displaced Women Challenge Controversial Voter Registration by Contested Electoral Body

Mogadishu: Women in IDP Camps Face Coercion

In the shadow of Mogadishu, within the sprawling camps where displaced families seek refuge, a disturbing pattern is emerging. Reports flood in as women and teenagers recount unsettling encounters with those claiming to be representatives of Somalia’s self-proclaimed Independent Electoral Commission. These individuals are allegedly resorting to intimidation, aiming to force an involuntary participation in a contentious electoral process.

Take the story of Maryan Jeylani Maye, for instance. As a mother of seven, her life in a makeshift shelter outside the capital is anything but easy. The challenges she faces are arduous, yet what she encountered recently was beyond expectation. Maryan shared her harrowing tale with Himilo Somali TV, detailing how she was abducted and coerced into registering for the vote under the threat of losing vital food assistance.

“They told us we should register in order to receive food,” Maryan remembered, her voice steady yet marked by a touch of disbelief. “After they took our photos and names, they said it’s for a vote—and that we must vote for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.”

These aren’t isolated incidents. Similar stories have emerged from displaced communities in Weydow, Dayniile, and Kaxda districts. Residents report being rounded up by local district commissioners and transported by bus for registration, painting a picture that raises troubling questions about consent and agency.

Another woman, Saido Mohamud, echoes these concerns. She mentioned a promise of $25 in mobile money following registration. “They told us we’d get $25 via EVC if we registered, but we went home empty-handed,” she shared, suspecting the middleman of pilfering the funds. It seems deceit and desperation go hand in hand, turning promises of aid into mere illusions.

For Maryan, and many like her, the facade is clear. “It’s a trap. They used food to manipulate us,” she said, revealing how desperation can often blind one to deceit. Somalia’s internally displaced population is vast, with over 3.45 million individuals uprooted by conflict, drought, and floods. In a city like Mogadishu, hosting somewhere between 400,000 and 518,000 IDPs, survival is a daily battle.

Amidst this chaos, universities in Mogadishu have expressed concern over similar coercions. Administrators reveal threats from the commission against those who refuse to register their students, lecturers, and staff. It’s not just communities in distress; the academic realm feels the pressure, too.

Opposition MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has not remained silent. With palpable conviction, he condemned the actions as “disgraceful” and “illegitimate.” His social media statement resonated: “We strongly condemn the disgraceful act by the one-sided electoral committee pressuring universities in the capital.” He warns of punitive measures against non-compliant institutions, highlighting the misuse of security forces as tools of intimidation.

This so-called commission, established by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in late 2024 and headed by a campaign officer from his party, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, is mired in controversy. Former acquaintances of Hassan describe his past connections with the Hawiye militia, which significantly contributed to Mogadishu’s destruction during the 1991 civil war.

While attempts were made to gather a statement from Abdikarim or his commission, none were forthcoming. The silence speaks volumes. Opposition parties and federal states, such as Puntland and Jubaland, have been vocal in their rejection of the electoral process initiated by this very commission. With elections looming before the 2026 deadline—marking the end of President Mohamud’s term—critics fear a scenario that might be fanning the flames of prolonged authority, jeopardizing Somalia’s fragile political equation.

In the heart of this turmoil lies a profound need for empathy, dialog, and integrity. How can a nation heal if its people are ensnared by fear and division? Somalia’s future hinges on addressing these moral and ethical challenges head-on, fostering an environment where power serves the people, not the other way around.