H
Wednesday December 6, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali journalist Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, an advocate for press freedom and human rights, has called for the European Union to reassess its collaboration with Somalia in light of the ongoing human rights abuses in the country. Speaking from his current base at York University's Center for Applied Human Rights in England, Mumin, who is on an Open Society Foundation scholarship, recounted his experiences of being arrested twice in the past year by the Somali government.
In an interview with German magazine Welt-sichten, Mumin detailed his first arrest in October 2022 following a meeting in Mogadishu where local journalist associations and the Somali Journalists' Association condemned government plans to restrict press freedom. He was subsequently detained at Mogadishu airport and spent 44 days in an underground cell, during which he was denied access to family, lawyers, or food and water. After his release on parole, he faced legal challenges for criticizing the Ministry of Information but refused to apologize or cease his criticism of the government.
Mumin's second arrest came in February this year after a court sentencing for two months in prison. However, the prison director refused to detain him, leading to his release. He was re-arrested ten days later during a meeting about anti-terrorism laws at a hotel in Mogadishu and reportedly faced physical abuse from security forces before being imprisoned again for 33 days in an overcrowded cell.
Mumin highlighted the severe human rights situation in Somalia, citing daily civilian deaths and widespread sexual violence, especially in displaced persons camps. He attributed these issues to government forces and allied militias, noting their impunity. Mumin's own investigations into these abuses underscore the risks journalists face, often labelled as terrorists by the government.He was eventually allowed to leave Somalia after a lengthy court battle in late March.
Mumin criticized the European Union's support for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arguing that it contributes to the deteriorating human rights situation. He suggested that the EU should instead support Somali civil society organizations that are underfunded and struggling. On the issue of the Islamist group Al-Shabaab, Mumin pointed out the blurred lines between the government and the group and the lack of a coherent strategy to address the root causes of the conflict.
Mumin also opposes the African Union's suggestion of arming the Somali government further, emphasizing the need for human rights, respect and accountability over more weapons.
As for his future, Mumin plans to establish a new organization focused on the human rights of vulnerable groups in Somalia, operating from England due to safety concerns in Somalia. His commitment to addressing the human rights issues in his homeland remains undeterred despite the challenges and risks he has faced as a journalist.