Mogadishu – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged mistreatment of traditional elder Hussein Mohamed Mahmoud (commonly known as Haadoole), calling for his immediate release.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Farmaajo accused the security forces of acting outside the rule of law and using state institutions for “personal and corrupt interests.” He said Elder Haadoole had been detained for speaking out in defense of displaced and vulnerable communities in Mogadishu.
“Elder Haadoole, who rose to defend the rights of internally displaced people living in Mogadishu, was arrested to silence public outcry and suppress community leaders opposing the mismanagement of public resources. This demonstrates that security agencies are being exploited for private agendas,” Farmaajo’s statement read.
The former president urged his successor, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to order the elder’s release without delay. He also warned that suppressing citizens’ grievances through arrests and intimidation would only deepen public distrust and risk sparking unrest.
Elder Haadoole is a well-known community leader in Mogadishu, often vocal on issues affecting displaced families and marginalized groups in the capital. His arrest comes amid growing criticism of how government authorities manage land, aid distribution, and resources allocated for humanitarian relief.
The incident has quickly evolved into a political flashpoint. Farmaajo’s intervention highlights the continuing tension between the current administration and opposition figures, with traditional leaders increasingly caught in the middle of broader disputes over governance, accountability, and public trust.
The case underscores Somalia’s fragile balance between security enforcement and civic freedoms. While the government argues that maintaining order is critical in a volatile environment, opposition leaders contend that silencing dissent undermines democratic progress. The detention of respected community elders risks inflaming clan sensitivities and widening political rifts at a time when Somalia faces mounting security, humanitarian, and governance challenges.
Whether Elder Haadoole is released promptly, as Farmaajo demands, will be an important test for President Hassan Sheikh’s administration. It will not only reflect the government’s stance on civic freedoms but also determine how far Somalia can reconcile state authority with public accountability in its fragile democratic journey.
