Friday September 26, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — A Somali military court on Friday released two soldiers accused of illegally authorizing surgery on a pregnant woman who later died, ruling there was no evidence they acted with criminal intent.
The case involved the death of Nimco Muse Ahmed, who was in labour when doctors determined her unborn child had died. Multiple hospitals confirmed the diagnosis and advised an emergency procedure, which was eventually carried out at Mogadishu’s Digfeer Hospital.
Prosecutors charged Pvt. Mohamed Muhudin Ali and Pvt. Abdisalan Hussein Mohamed of the Somali National Army signed the consent forms by falsely claiming to be the woman’s husband and brother. Somali health regulations require consent from a patient’s immediate relatives or legal guardians, particularly in cases involving pregnant women.
Investigators said the men sought free treatment at Digfeer Hospital, citing their inability to cover medical costs. The Office of the Military Prosecutor launched an investigation earlier this month and filed the case on September 20.
After weeks of hearings, the court concluded the soldiers acted in a humanitarian emergency rather than with the intent to commit a crime. Judges ordered their release but noted the case underscored weaknesses in Somalia’s medical consent system and the pressures facing hospitals during urgent maternal care.