MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – On October 8, the United Nations Human Rights Council approved the conclusion of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia.
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.