The Call for Continued Support in Somalia’s Fight Against Terrorism

Mogadishu (AX) — The plight of Somalia has reached a point where the international community’s attention is paramount. Recently, a United Nations expert vociferously urged global partners not to turn their backs on Somalia, as the nation grapples with persistent and intricate challenges in its battle against terrorism.

During a detailed visit that concluded on Wednesday, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Ben Saul, took a stand in solidarity with the Somali people. He characterized their ongoing struggle against terrorist threats as a quest that requires unwavering international support. His remarks resonated deeply, emphasizing the balance needed between security and human rights, a balance that is often delicate and precarious.

“I recognize the extensive efforts by the Somali authorities to combat terrorism through a multifaceted strategy,” Saul stated. This strategy merges law enforcement, military operations, combating violent extremism, and addressing the root causes of why individuals are drawn into terrorist activities. Yet, while acknowledging these efforts, he didn’t shy away from addressing the grim realities that Somalia faces, including severe security and resource constraints.

Interestingly, amidst this backdrop of adversity, there are deeper, underlying issues at play. “However,” Saul continued, “Somalia has adopted overly broad definitions and frameworks that could compromise fundamental human rights.” This concern is not merely theoretical; it has real implications for the people living through this chaos. The application of laws surrounding terrorism has often bordered on draconian, with penalties, including the death penalty, applied even for offenses that don’t involve intent to kill, which raises an eyebrow in light of international law.

During his visit, Saul wasn’t just an observer; he received troubling reports of arbitrary arrests, extended periods of pre-trial detention, and a concerning lack of legal representation for detainees. The mention of enforced disappearances and the excessive use of force is a grim reminder of how quickly the lines between security and human rights can blur in crisis situations. Can you imagine the fear and anxiety for families when a loved one simply vanishes?

“I am deeply concerned about the violations faced by children in armed conflict,” Saul lamented. The emotional weight of his words was palpable. Children have witnessed unimaginable horrors including killings, forced recruitment, and even trafficking. In many ways, they bear the brunt of these conflicts, often left to navigate a world fraught with peril while carrying burdens no child should have to bear.

Amidst these harsh realities, Saul expressed particular trepidation about the use of military courts to conduct trials on terrorism-related offenses. These courts, he argues, often lack sufficient independence and the necessary safeguards for fair trials. “Prison conditions also do not meet international standards,” he rightly pointed out, shedding light on an aspect of the crisis that often goes unnoticed. The psychological toll of poorly managed detention facilities can have long-lasting effects on individuals and communities.

While there have been strides made in military operations against terrorist factions, concerns linger about the accountability of military forces. The absence of clear procedures and mechanisms to prevent human rights violations adds another layer of complexity to an already nuanced situation. Additionally, there is the contentious issue of clan militias being employed alongside the military—an approach lacking legal frameworks to protect civilians.

One thought-provoking proposal is Saul’s call for a shift in focus toward rehabilitation. He urged the Somali government and its international partners to prioritize the reintegration of former combatants, especially women who have endured unimaginable trauma and violence. This segues into a much larger conversation about the importance of holistic approaches in conflict resolution. What would it look like to foster healing rather than merely seeking to punish?

Nevertheless, challenges abound. Laws surrounding counter-terrorism financing risk obstructing humanitarian aid’s flow to communities in dire need. Saul pointedly remarked, “These laws are also hindering media freedom to report on security issues while stifling the essential human rights work of civil society organizations.” The ramifications are far-reaching: what does it mean for a society when its ability to understand its own security situation is stymied?

Saul’s concluding words carry a significant weight. “This is a critical moment for Somalia,” he stated, underscoring the imperative for continued international political and financial support—something that has, unfortunately, dwindled in recent times. “Sustained global engagement is vital,” he emphasized, advocating for a comprehensive strategy that aims at fostering peace, reinforcing the rule of law, and safeguarding human rights while combatting terrorism.

The Special Rapporteur’s commitment is unwavering, and he is set to deliver a detailed report of his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026—an endeavor that could potentially shape the future discourse on Somalia’s security landscape.

In conclusion, the situation in Somalia is indeed precarious but not hopeless. It invites us all to reflect on our role in global solidarity, pressing us to ask: how can we contribute to the healing of such a deeply scarred nation?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring