Mogadishu, Somalia – July 2025
A wave of public discontent is mounting across Somalia, as citizens speak out against alleged partiality within the national police force, accusing officers of favoring certain clans and political actors while marginalizing others.
Protests have erupted in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Beledweyne, with demonstrators demanding greater transparency, reforms in police recruitment, and investigations into incidents of excessive force and discriminatory enforcement.
“We are not against law enforcement—we are against unfair policing,” said protester Amina Hassan in Mogadishu. “Security must serve all Somalis, not just the powerful.”
Accusations center on claims that officers have disproportionately targeted youth from minority clans, as well as activists critical of the federal government. Some reports suggest selective arrests and intimidation of journalists who cover politically sensitive issues.
The Somali Police Force (SPF) has denied the allegations, insisting that its officers “operate according to national law and without bias.” A statement from the Ministry of Internal Security described the unrest as “politically influenced” and warned against actions that “undermine national stability.”
However, human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the Somali Journalists Syndicate, have backed the calls for accountability, citing a growing number of documented cases involving arbitrary arrests, harassment, and lack of legal recourse.
The issue has also taken on a regional dimension, with federal member states accusing Mogadishu of centralized control over police deployment, raising constitutional concerns.
Analysts warn that without reforms, Somalia risks deepening social fractures, especially in the lead-up to local elections scheduled for early 2026.
“Trust in state institutions is essential in fragile post-conflict societies,” said political analyst Abdiwahab Mohamed. “Without it, even well-meaning reforms can collapse under suspicion and resistance.”
So far, no independent inquiry has been launched, but pressure is growing from both civil society and international partners for Somalia’s leadership to respond decisively and publicly.