MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Human rights violations committed by the Macawiisley, a clan militia group allied with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, have increased by 11% since 2022, with their cases now dominating those brought before the Somali Military Court, according to the court’s chairman, Hassan Ali Nur Shuute.
Speaking at the Prosecutors’ Conference in Mogadishu on Wednesday, Shuute noted that since the arming of Macawiisley militias began in 2022, their abuses have escalated, including attacks against government forces.
“The number of cases involving Macawiisley militias has risen significantly. Their violations have increased by 11%,” Colonel Shuute stated.
The Macawiisley militia is a clan-based armed group in central and southern Somalia, formed to defend local communities against Al-Shabaab.
Named after the traditional Somali “macawiis” wrap, they identify as civilian fighters rather than a formal military force.
Their activities escalated in 2022 when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud openly backed their mobilization as part of a government-led offensive against Al-Shabaab, providing them with significant support in 2022 and 2023.
Mr. Shuute recalled that in 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Council of Ministers issued a directive requiring that cases involving Macawiisley be handled by the military court within three months.
“Since 2022, we have been dealing with this issue. I want to ask the Minister of Justice to find a solution so that this responsibility is removed from us,” Shuute said.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the Macawiisley militia.
Journalists and human rights activists have previously criticized the government’s decision to arm the clan-based militia, warning of abuses.
The rise in Macawiisley activities has been evident since their involvement in the 2022 war against Al-Shabaab.
Initially supported by government forces, the militia played a key role in the offensive, but the campaign later faltered, raising concerns over their conduct.
Atrocities attributed to the Macawiisley militia include sexual violence against women and girls, the burning of villages, and enforced disappearances in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, where much of the fighting took place.
In September 2022, a young man was beheaded, and another had his genitals mutilated by Macawiisley fighters after the former governor of Hiiraan, Ali Jeyte Osman, announced a $5,000 reward for anyone who brought the head of an Al-Shabaab fighter.
However, the militia allegedly began targeting unarmed civilians in pursuit of monetary rewards.