We, the undersigned women’s rights organisations, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and advocates for justice and democratic freedoms in Somalia, express our deep concern regarding the arbitrary detention of Ms. Sadia Moalim Ali, a tuktuk driver, social activist, and outspoken advocate for social justice, who was arrested in Mogadishu on 12 April 2026 and remains in detention. Her detention raises serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and civic participation in Somalia.

Ms. Sadia Moalim Ali was apprehended by officers reportedly affiliated with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in connection with her peaceful civic engagement, including her activity on social media platforms and participation in non-violent demonstrations.

She was initially held at Hamar Jajab Police Station for two days before being transferred to Mogadishu Central Prison on 14 April 2026, following a custody order issued by the Banadir Regional Court on 13 April 2026 authorising her detention for investigations.

The decision to authorise prolonged pretrial detention in this context raises serious concerns regarding compliance with due process guarantees, proportionality, judicial oversight, and the potential misuse of national security and public order laws to restrict peaceful dissent and civic participation, particularly among women activists and human rights defenders.

The Banadir Regional Court custody order cites Articles 269, 320, and 328 of the Somali Penal Code. These provisions are broadly framed and have, in practice, been used in ways that risk criminalizing legitimate criticism of public institutions and restricting the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and public participation.

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