Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Former President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, has strongly criticized the recent arrest of youths and journalists in Mogadishu over the past several hours.
This comes after the unlawful arrest of several Somali journalists and youth workers.
Farmajo said that the detention of young people and media workers is intended to suppress what he described as a growing public uprising against injustice, corruption, and displacement.
“The repeated arrests and suppression carried out by the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against the youth and prominent figures in Mogadishu, in an attempt to control public anger over nepotism, corruption, and forced displacement, is damaging statehood and further fueling public frustration and unrest.”
The former president also issued a strong message to security institutions, particularly the Somali Police Force, urging them not to be used for personal or political interests, especially in relation to the alleged displacement and suppression of journalists and young people.
“The Somali security forces were established to protect the public, defend the dignity of citizens, ensure security, and safeguard the rights of the Somali people. Therefore, I emphasize that security agencies must avoid any actions that create fear, displacement, and distrust among the public, and they must be careful not to be used for personal interests or abuse of power,” He said.
“We have repeatedly warned against actions that undermine statehood, damage the reputation of the nation, and erode public trust—actions rooted in land grabbing, oppression, and abuse of authority. Today, we are witnessing the consequences, including armed confrontations and angry citizens taking to the streets to defend their dignity and lives,” added Farmajo.