MOGADISHU, (HAN) – The Commander of the Somali Police Force, Major General Asad Osman Abdullahi, has issued a formal apology to a Somali mother and father who were alleg loo edly subjected to physical abuse and mistreatment at the hands of members of the national security forces.
The meeting took place in Mogadishu on Tuesday evening and was seen as a significant step in acknowledging misconduct within the country’s law enforcement institutions.
According to officials, the parents were detained and assaulted by a section of the security forces during a recent operation. The incident sparked outrage among community members and civil society groups, who condemned the abuse as a violation of basic human rights and a serious breach of the responsibilities entrusted to law enforcement personnel.
During the meeting, General Asad expressed deep regret on behalf of the Somali Police Force and assured the parents that justice would be pursued. He acknowledged that the assault represented a grave violation of both the Somali constitution and international human rights standards, stressing that such behavior would not be tolerated within the police or security services.
“This act was completely unacceptable and stands in direct contradiction to the ethics, laws, and professional standards of our security forces,” General Asad said.
“We are committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of every Somali citizen, and we will ensure accountability for any officer who engages in abuse or misconduct.”
The Police Chief further emphasized that accountability measures will be enforced, noting that an internal investigation has already been launched to identify and punish the officers involved in the abuse. He added that the Somali Police Force is currently working on new reform strategies aimed at strengthening discipline, improving professional conduct, and restoring the public’s trust in the security sector.
Human rights activists and civil society organizations have welcomed the Police Chief’s apology but stressed that concrete actions must follow. Many have called for transparent investigations and stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent future abuses by security personnel.
This incident comes at a time when Somalia is grappling with a series of reports highlighting misconduct and human rights violations committed by security forces against civilians.
The government, under increasing pressure, has pledged to reform its institutions, strengthen the rule of law, and ensure that security personnel operate within the boundaries of legality and respect for human rights.
The apology by General Asad marks a rare public acknowledgment of wrongdoing by state security forces and could represent an important turning point in efforts to rebuild confidence between Somali citizens and their police service.
