Somalia stands at a “critical moment” as it battles terrorism
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Somalia stands at a “critical moment” as it battles terrorism while facing serious human rights challenges, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Ben Saul, has warned. Following his official visit to Somalia from May 10 to 20, 2025, Saul praised the Somali government for its multifaceted approach to countering terrorism. He acknowledged the country’s efforts through military operations, law enforcement, counter-extremism programs, and initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization.
However, Saul raised significant concerns over Somalia’s counter-terrorism framework. He pointed to overly broad legal definitions, excessive security powers, and the imposition of the death penalty for some non-lethal terrorism offenses—practices that may violate international legal standards.
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During his mission, Saul received reports of arbitrary arrests, prolonged pre-trial detentions, lack of legal counsel, enforced disappearances, excessive force, and inhumane detention conditions. He was especially alarmed by the use of military courts to try terrorism suspects and the poor conditions in Somali prisons.
The Special Rapporteur highlighted widespread abuses against children in conflict zones and criticized the government’s use of clan militias without proper legal safeguards.He also warned that counter-terrorism financing laws were unintentionally hampering humanitarian aid delivery and restricting civil society and press freedoms. Saul called for Somalia to improve oversight, support disengaged former fighters—especially women survivors of gender-based violence—and establish inclusive governance and anti-corruption efforts.
“This is a critical moment for Somalia,” Saul said, urging the international community to sustain support for Somalia despite recent foreign aid cuts. He stressed that strengthening rule of law, peacebuilding, and human rights protections is vital in the fight against terrorism.
A full report of his findings will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026.
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