MOGADISHU: 16/04/2025 The Somali Disability Empowerment Network (SODEN) strongly condemns the recent targeted attack on the home of our colleague, Abdi Ali Farah, who serves as our Advocacy Officer. On 5/April 2025, unidentified gunmen raided his residence in a deliberate act of intimidation. Although Abdi Ali was not present at the time, his family members were left severely distressed by the incident.
This act of violence is deeply alarming and unacceptable. It is yet another attempt to silence the voices of those advocating for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Somalia. Sadly, this is not the first time SODEN has experienced such heinous acts against our staff. In May 2020, our colleague Mr. Sharif Mukhtar was assassinated by Al-Shabaab in Baidoa. Again, in 2022, our team member, Ahmed Hassan, was tragically killed in Mogadishu.
We view these targeted attacks not just as threats against individuals, but as threats against our entire movement and the cause of disability rights in Somalia. Advocacy is not a crime. The work we do to ensure the inclusion, protection, and empowerment of persons with disabilities must never be met with bullets or fear.
SODEN calls upon the Somali authorities to carry out a thorough and immediate investigation into this most recent attack and to bring those responsible to justice. We also call on international human rights organisations, civil society actors, and partners to stand in solidarity during this difficult time.
Violence will never silence our mission. We remain resolute in our commitment to defend the rights, safety, and dignity of all persons with disabilities in Somalia.
