Since 1993, the human rights situation in Somalia has been monitored and reported on by an Independent Expert appointed by the United Nations.

The position is currently held by Ms. Isha Dyfan from Sierra Leone.

The mandate of the Independent Expert, which is renewed annually, is due to expire at the end of October 2025.

Recently, the Federal Government of Somalia requested the closure of the office of the Independent Expert on Human Rights, arguing that it no longer wished for reports documenting human rights violations in the country to be published.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration claimed that it has already established a national human rights commission, although critics describe it as lacking independence. The commission is composed of nine members, all serving as government advisers.

Independent human rights organizations working in Somalia, media associations, and international bodies have expressed deep concern that the timing of the Independent Expert’s mandate ending coincides with increased human rights violations against civilians.

The main concern, they say, is that the end of this mandate will mean the loss of internationally recognized human rights reporting on Somalia—at a time when the media faces continuous pressure and attacks from both the government and armed groups.

The post UN Human Rights Council Ends Mandate of Independent Expert on Somalia Amid Rising Abuses appeared first on Kaab TV.

Maryan Jeylani Maye, a mother of seven residing in a makeshift shelter on the outskirts of the capital, says she was kidnapped, forced into a vehicle, and threatened with the loss of food assistance if she did not register and have her photo taken.

“They told us we should register in order to receive food,” Maryan recounted.

“After they took our photos and names, they said it’s for a vote—and that we must vote for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.”

Similar accounts have emerged from IDP communities in the Weydow area, Dayniile, and Kaxda districts.

Residents say local district commissioners gathered groups of displaced people and transported them by bus for registration.

Saido Mohamud, another IDP woman, said they were promised $25 in mobile money after registering but received nothing.

“They told us we’d get $25 via EVC if we registered, but we went home empty-handed,” she said, adding that the middleman in charge allegedly stole the money.

Maryan described the entire operation as a deceitful tactic that preyed on vulnerable people through false promises of aid.

“It’s a trap. They used food to manipulate us,” she said.

Somalia currently has more than 3.45 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), most of whom were forced from their homes due to conflict, drought, and floods.

According to the Danish Refugee Council, approximately 84% of Somalia’s IDPs live in urban areas, with Mogadishu alone hosting between 400,000 and 518,000 people.

Many reside in overcrowded, informal settlements without secure shelter, food, or access to healthcare.

Malnutrition remains widespread, particularly among children and pregnant women.

Girls and young women in these settlements face increased vulnerability to exploitation.

Aid workers and community members report incidents of forced labor, sexual violence, and prostitution linked to extreme poverty and hunger.

The lack of protection mechanisms only deepens the risks.

Universities in Mogadishu have also raised concerns about similar pressure tactics. Administrators say they have received threats from the same commission, warning that institutions refusing to register students, lecturers, and staff will face punitive action, including closure and the use of security forces.

Opposition MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame condemned the reports, calling the commission’s actions “disgraceful” and “illegitimate.”

In a statement posted to social media, he wrote: “We strongly condemn the disgraceful act by the one-sided electoral committee pressuring universities in the capital to forcibly register students, lecturers, and university staff.  The committee has threatened any university that refuses to comply with their decision, warning that they will take action against them using security forces.”

The commission, which was formed in late 2024 by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is led by Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan—a member of the president’s political party and campaign officer.

Former friends also say Abdikarin was a former fighter in the Hawiye militia that played a key role in Mogadishu’s destruction during the 1991 civil war.

When contacted by this reporter, neither Abdikarim nor the commission responded to requests for comment.

The commission’s formation and planned electoral process have been widely rejected by opposition parties and two federal member states namely Puntland and Jubaland.

With elections expected ahead of the 2026 deadline marking the end of President Mohamud’s term, many critics fear the process is a pretext to extend his rule—risking renewed instability in Somalia’s fragile political landscape.

The post Displaced Women in Mogadishu Say They Are Being Coerced Into Electoral Registration appeared first on Kaab TV.

The 16th session of the sixth parliamentary sitting was held at the Parliament headquarters in Mogadishu on Saturday and was chaired by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe).

The IDPs Bill, first introduced in May 2023, had faced repeated delays due to political instability and ongoing security challenges that have disrupted legislative proceedings under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.

After more than a year of inaction, MP Mukhtar Mohamed and several colleagues reintroduced the motion last week, urging swift parliamentary action.

“I urge the MPs once again to consider fast-tracking this agenda, which is of great importance,” MP Mukhtar told the House, highlighting the looming mid-term parliamentary recess.

During Saturday’s session, MP Abdulqadir Barako, a member of the Human Rights Committee, presented the third reading of the IDPs Bill, which incorporated feedback and debates from earlier sessions. The bill was passed with overwhelming support: 136 MPs voted in favor, 4 opposed, and none abstained.

Parliament also approved the Bill on Civil Registration and Civil Status Statistics, with 136 MPs voting in favor, one against, and five abstaining.

A complex mix of conflict, insecurity, natural disasters, and weak governance structures has resulted in an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia.

As of May 2024, Somalia hosts approximately 3.86 million IDPs, according to UNHCR.

The majority of these IDPs reside in over 2,000 informal settlements across the country, often lacking adequate shelter, sanitation, and access to essential services.

Speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe confirmed the passage of both bills, calling it a significant step toward addressing humanitarian needs and strengthening civil administration.

“Members of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia today approved Bills on IDPs and Civil Registration and Status,” he said.

The post Somalia MPs Approve Long-Delayed Bills on IDPs and Civil Registration appeared first on Kaab TV.

This statement was made by women during an event held tonight in Garowe, organized by the Puntland Electoral Commission, where the five-year roadmap towards achieving full democracy in Puntland was presented.

“We, as women, will not vote for any party that does not place women and youth candidates at the top of its list,” said Hawo Ali, Director of the Department of Culture at the Puntland Ministry of Information, who spoke on behalf of the women attending the meeting.

The women also said they have experienced how the clan-based and nepotistic political system — in which positions are handed out based on kinship — has deprived them of the opportunity to represent their communities.

They stated that this system has failed and is no longer functional, and that real change is needed.

Women’s Quota

The women complained that the 30% quota for women has not been properly implemented, particularly during the 2023 elections in Puntland.

Hawo Ali called for the Puntland Electoral Law to amend the law and include provisions that enforce the inclusion of the women’s quota in the electoral process.

They also urged that women be included in the top ten names on candidate lists for each political party.

“Women and youth represent the highest number of the population and any party that sidelines them will not get votes,” she warned.

Puntland is preparing the ground for its 2029 one-person one-vote poll after holding the first direct elections in 2023.

The post Puntland Women Call for Real Reform and Enforcement of Gender Quota appeared first on Kaab TV.

Somalis are predominantly Muslims, and Islam not only promotes the protection of individual rights, but also emphasizes peace, coexistence, and justice.

These values extend to the inclusion and protection of minority groups and vulnerable populations.

In a recent conversation with Baraarug, a civic awareness platform, Mogadishu-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Aadan Moallin and young religious researcher Hassan Abdullahi Abdirahman highlighted the role of Islam in safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

Both speakers underscored the importance of justice and social harmony as core tenets of the faith.

The post Religious Scholar Calls for Peace, Justice and Respect of the Rights of All in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Tune in as we explore how faith and leadership can drive positive change in society!

What are your thoughts? Join the conversation in the comments!

The post Baraarug Podcast | Ep. 10: Are Somali Religious Leaders Advancing the Rights of Youth and Women? appeared first on Kaab TV.

Sheikh Abdullahi Ahmed Garrun asserts that the role of religious scholars is no less significant than that of journalists, as clarified by the Hadith of the Prophet [SCW].

However, religious scholars face challenges, including threats from extremist groups and those who seek to undermine their role.

Now, Sheikh Abdullahi is calling for more proactive role and participation be given to the clerics.

The post The Role of Religious Scholars in Human Rights Advocacy in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Torture and other forms of mistreatment are widespread.

Abdirahman Osman, a young man from Jowhar, shares his ordeal after being kidnapped by NISA in April 2024 and held at the notorious Godka Jilaow prison in Mogadishu.

He was working at his restaurant after completing his secondary school studies, dreaming of going to university and building a better future.

However, that dream has now been shattered.

Watch his story.

The post Tortured, Threatened With Rape: Abdirahman Mumtaas’s Ordeal in NISA Detention in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Women have largely been excluded from high-ranking political positions.

The 30% women’s quota appears to have not been fully implemented.

In this discussion, which includes youth groups, journalists, women, young politicians, and traditional elders, Baraarug examines public perceptions on whether women should lead the country.

The post Baraarug Forum: Can Women Lead Somalia? appeared first on Kaab TV.

Traditional media vs. social media – how do they compare?

Has the influence of businessmen and politicians weakened media independence? How does this affect the voices of women and youth, who are often unheard in the media?

Follow more on @Baraarug on X and Facebook.

#Baraarugeenna #Codkeenna

The post What type of media does Somalia need? appeared first on Kaab TV.