Somali Army Officer arrested over alleged Prisoner abuse

The Federal Government of Somalia has arrested a military officer accused of mistreating an Al-Shabaab detainee, following a video of the alleged abuse that widely circulated on social media and sparked public outrage.

Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said the incident does not reflect the government’s policy on the treatment of people captured during military operations, stressing that detainees have rights that must be respected.

The officer was reportedly arrested hours after the video emerged online and is expected to be brought before a court to face the full force of the law.

Fiqi said the government would never tolerate the torture or mistreatment of a detainee, even if the individual is an Al-Shabaab member. He stressed that armed Al-Shabaab members captured during fighting must be dealt with through the law.

“Al-Shabaab members who carry weapons, kill people and harm our communities should be brought before the law. But punishing or mistreating them outside the law, or violating their dignity and rights, is not acceptable,” Fiqi said.

The minister also said his ministry and other government institutions are working to reduce harm to civilians and their property during military operations against armed groups.

Fiqi noted that recent operations in Lower Shabelle damaged some farms, reminding security forces of their responsibility to protect civilians, their homes, farms and other property.

“We are talking about protecting trees, farms and people’s property, but above all, human beings must be protected,” he said.

The government said it is also working with security forces and international partners to strengthen civilian protection mechanisms during military operations and periods of conflict.

Mustaqbal