๐๐๐ข๐๐จ๐, ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ โHuman rights groups and opposition figures are raising concerns over the illegal arrest of
๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ซ, a prominent ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ซ in Southwest State. Dr. Ibrahim was detained two weeks ago upon arrival at Shaati-Guduud International Airport after refusing an order to return to Mogadishu. His arrest is the latest in a troubling pattern of political repression in the region.
The Southwest State Government, led by President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, has been accused of systematically suppressing opposition voices. Over the past few years, political leaders and activists who have called for democratic elections have faced intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on their political activities. President Laftagareenโs tenure officially ended two years ago, yet elections have not been held, and opposition leaders have been denied the right to hold rallies or meetings.
The situation in Southwest is particularly alarming, as it threatens to destabilize an already fragile region. Al-Shabaab militants continue to pose a serious security threat, with their forces stationed just 18 kilometers outside Baidoa and laying siege to key towns such as Wajid, Hudur, and Dinsoor. At a time when unity and political stability are critical in the fight against terrorism, the governmentโs suppression of democratic rights risks further instability.
Human rights organizations are calling for Dr. Ibrahimโs immediate and unconditional release, as well as urgent political reforms to allow for free and fair elections in Southwest State. The international community, including Somaliaโs Federal Government and regional partners, is being urged to intervene and ensure that fundamental democratic rights and freedoms are upheld.
If political repression continues, Southwest risks descending into deeper unrest, making the region even more vulnerable to extremist groups and further jeopardizing Somaliaโs stability and security.