On 12 April, Sadia Moalim Ali, a tuktuk (rickshaw) driver and social activist, was arrested in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, by officers of the National Intelligence Agency for her activism – both on social media and in peaceful protests. She was initially detained at Hamar Jajab Police Station for two days before being transferred to the Mogadishu Central Prison on 14 April where she remains detained. Her family is not aware of any formal charges against her, but credible sources have told Amnesty International that the police secured orders from the Banadir Regional Court allowing them to hold her for 90 days pending further investigations. Her detention is linked solely to the peaceful exercise of her human rights. Amnesty International urges the Somali authorities to immediately and unconditionally release her.
What’s the problem?
This is not the first time Sadia Moalim Ali has been arrested for her activism, she was previously arrested on 12 March for protesting increased fuel prices, taken to court, and was released after four days of detention, further indicating a pattern of targeting in relation to her peaceful exercise of the right to protest. Since mid-to-late 2022 when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office, the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and media freedom, have been severely restricted in Somalia. Journalists and other activists have been attacked by security forces and subjected to threats, harassment, intimidation, beatings, arbitrary arrests and unfair prosecution. Since 2025, the government stepped up attempts to control and censor journalists reporting on public interest issues, including insecurity and forced evictions. On 16 March, the minister for information issued a directive banning the publication of “statements or news that could threaten national security” or “that directly or indirectly misuses or fabricates information.”
What can you do to help?
Write an appeal to urge the Somali authorities to immediately and unconditionally release her.
