Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Somali journalist Shugri Aabi Abdi, who recently came forward with her account of a disturbing incident, described in detail how she was abducted and mistreated while on her way to work on Thursday, July 3rd.
“I am one of the journalists working in Mogadishu,” Shugri explained. “That morning, at around eight o’clock, I left my house in one of the districts of the Banadir region to head to my workplace. While passing the front gate of a school in Djibouti, the motorcycle I was riding on was stopped by a group of individuals. They were dressed in civilian clothing and blended in with the local residents.”
According to Shugri, the men—who were not wearing any official uniform—forcefully pulled her off the motorcycle and demanded that she enter the school compound. “I refused,” she said, “but they insisted. They blindfolded me, slapped me, and forcibly dragged me into the premises.”
Inside the school, she was interrogated about her identity. They demanded to see her registration card, implying that her freedom of movement depended on her electoral registration. “Even though I showed them my journalist ID, they dismissed it,” Shugri recounted. “They said only a voter registration card would be accepted.”
Despite her protests, she was detained for several hours. Her information and records were taken without her consent.
Later, Shugri saw a statement on social media from the chairman of the electoral commission, saying that registration was voluntary and that no one could be forced to participate. “That statement doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground,” she said. “I’m unemployed. I pay rent. Life is already hard. Now people are being forced to register under pressure. I’ve seen this happening to many others.”
The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) issued a strong statement condemning the abduction. Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Secretary-General of SJS, said:
“We strongly denounce the unlawful detention and mistreatment of journalist Shugri Aabi. This is not only a violation of press freedom, but also a direct attack on the personal liberties of journalists who have the right to travel safely to and from their jobs. Shugri was held against her will, interrogated, and had personal information taken by force.
This is a gross violation of human dignity and rights—not just for journalists, but for all ordinary Somalis in Mogadishu.”
He went on to criticize the broader trend of coercion:
“There is an alarming rise in incidents where youth are abducted or pressured into registering to vote. Security forces are stopping people in the streets, pulling them off buses, and entering homes to force compliance. If the registration process is legitimate, why are people being forced to participate?”
Mumin emphasized that Thursday’s incident was unconstitutional:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of choice. Forcing people—especially female journalists like Shugri—into vehicles and taking them to unknown locations is a serious violation of their safety and dignity. Women in particular are being targeted and harassed by unidentified men on the streets. This must stop.”
He concluded by urging accountability:
“The individuals who carried out this action, as well as those who ordered it, must be held responsible. No government or organization can claim legitimacy while silencing voices and violating basic freedoms.”
The growing trend of forced registration and harassment has raised serious concerns among human rights advocates, civil society groups, and international observers. As Mogadishu’s residents face increasing insecurity, many are now questioning the transparency, legality, and ethics of the current voter registration process.