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Somalia’s Prisons Overcrowded, Detainees Held for Years Without Trial

MOGADISHU - Somalia’s detention centers are plagued by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate medical care, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis.

The Situation on the Ground

According to reports, many inmates have been held on remand for years without trial, with some spending up to five years in custody before their cases are heard. The conditions are so dire that the spread of violent extremism is a growing concern, with ethnic power struggles playing out as much within prison walls as they do outside.

Weak Law Enforcement System

The country’s law enforcement system is also criticized for being weak, corrupt, and infiltrated by extremist groups, particularly Al-Shabaab. The Somali government relies heavily on international partners to support its policing and security services, but the national police force lacks professionalism, trustworthiness, and integrity.

Economic Woes

Somalia’s economic environment is also dire, with a lack of regulation and infrastructure hindering business growth. The country relies heavily on informal money transfers and hawala systems, which are vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing.

• Online gambling and crowdfunding are unregulated, providing a source of funding for terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab.
• The government has limited control over its borders, making it difficult to regulate the flow of funds in and out of the country.

Civil Society Under Pressure

Somalia’s civil society is under pressure, with journalists facing intimidation and censorship. The government has introduced policies aimed at combating transnational organized crime, but implementation remains poor.

• Child soldiers remain a major issue, with various forces unlawfully recruiting and using them.
• The government has not reported any mechanisms to curb their recruitment and use in its own army.

Call for Action

The situation in Somalia is dire, and the international community must take action to support the country’s efforts to combat terrorism, improve governance, and protect human rights.

• Urgent attention is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in Somalia’s prisons, where inmates are held without trial or adequate medical care.
• The government must work to strengthen its law enforcement capabilities and regulate its economy to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
• International partners must support efforts to improve governance, protect human rights, and combat terrorism in Somalia.
• Civil society organizations and NGOs must be given greater space to operate freely and provide vital services to the population.