(30-03-23) Mogadishu – Relatives and supporters of former National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) head Col. Abdullahi Dheere gathered in Mogadishu today to demand justice following the arrest of some of Dheere’s family members and staff. The demonstrators accused the government of abusing its power and urged President Hassan Sheikh to intervene.
Abdullahi Dheere had been a lead intelligence officer with a team of detectives facilitating cross-country intelligence cooperation. He left his position in NISA when Fahad Yassin took over leadership of the agency. Both Dheere and Yassin are currently residing outside of Somalia.
The protesters claim that NISA forces entered the house of Abdullahi Dheere in Mogadishu a day ago, arresting some of his relatives and staff members, including his driver. Those arrested are still being held at a NISA facility in Mogadishu. The exact number of people arrested has not been disclosed.
During the demonstration, participants carried placards with slogans such as “Abuse of government power is what destroyed this country.” They called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud to uphold justice and prevent the government from targeting its own people.
One demonstrator stated, “We are asking the government to release the people who were taken from their homes. In the past, President Hassan Sheikh was the one who said that there will be no revenge. As the relatives of the imprisoned people, we are asking to be released.”
Another protester, a young girl, added, “We stood up in the sun to seek justice for the relatives of our brother Abdullahi Dheere who was arrested. We are asking the president to release our people.”
The Somali government has not yet responded to the protesters’ demands or released an official statement on the matter. The situation has drawn attention to the potential misuse of power by the authorities and the importance of upholding justice and human rights in Somalia.
