Baraawe Human Rights Protection

Baraawe Human Rights Protection Team

Wishing You a Joyous New Year 2026

In 2025, the Somalia team achieved significant milestones in documenting and reporting human rights violations, particularly in the Dooy Shabele region, with a special emphasis on Dooy Diinsoor. This area has endured isolation from Al-Shabaab for over a decade. With the support of the Somali federal government, efforts are underway to liberate Diinsoor and establish safe road access; however, currently, the only route remains by air.

All incidents occurring in the Lower Shabele region have been thoroughly documented and are under analysis. Special thanks go to the Baraawe Human Rights Protection team and the Somali civil society groups that collaborated closely with us, providing valuable information and support.

We sincerely appreciate all members of the country team working in the safer areas of Lower Shabele.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection Team

Baraawe Human Rights Protection Notice

Immediate Action Required: Al-Shabaab Terrorist Linked to Beheadings Found in Europe

Increasing Concerns Regarding Former Al-Shabaab Members in Europe: Spotlight on Mad Janaay Farah Xaaji Faqi

Mad Janaay Farah Xaaji Faqi, born on January 1, 1987, is a former member of the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization in Somalia, closely associated with Muqtar Roobow, the group's spokesperson and the current Minister of Religious Affairs in Somalia.

Civil society organizations in Somalia have reported that Faqi is implicated in the deaths of numerous civilians, including beheadings, in areas such as Bu’aale, Misire, Kuunyo Barow, and Jilib.

Allegations suggest that Faqi was smuggled into Belgium by Abdisalan, the current Somali Foreign Minister, along with his associates, to evade justice.

Extensive evidence collected by Somali civil society groups documents Faqi’s involvement in the murders of over 69 civilians, with some victims subjected to beheading, intended to instill fear in local communities.

In light of numerous complaints and reports from affected populations, it is imperative for Belgian authorities, including law enforcement and counter-terrorism units, to urgently address this serious situation and pursue justice for the alleged atrocities committed by this former Al-Shabaab member.

Source: Civil Society Groups, Afgooye Office, Somalia.

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Significant Developments in Somalia

Date: 21 November 2025
Location: Diinsoor Dooy, Somalia

Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, also known as Abu Mansur, is a prominent figure in Somali history, born on 10 October 1969. He has previously served as both the deputy leader and spokesperson for the notorious militant group Al-Shabaab.

Background:

-Al-Itihaad Al-Islamiya(1991–1996)
- Islamic Courts Union(2004–2006)
- Al-Shabaab(2006–2015)

Robow’s political career began with Al-Itihaad Al-Islamiya, followed by his involvement with the Islamic Courts Union. He gained prominence as the spokesperson for Al-Shabaab during the insurgency against Ethiopian military forces in 2007. In 2015, he departed from Al-Shabaab due to ideological disagreements and subsequently retreated to his hometown for several years. In 2022, he was appointed as the Minister of Religious Affairs in the Federal Government of Somalia.

Currently, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali is facing serious allegations related to an assassination attempt on Ismail Ahmed Aden, a World Health Organization staff member and Swedish citizen. Aden was shot 19 times by assailants linked to Al-Shabaab, reportedly sent by Robow and coordinated by the current Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Abdisalaan. Remarkably, Aden survived this brutal attack.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection, in collaboration with various Somali civil society organizations, has conducted an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this assassination attempt. Their findings have been compiled into a detailed report.

As the Minister of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow is also being sought by Swedish authorities to respond to legal charges against him.

We encourage international journalists, news agencies, and human rights advocates to support this initiative for justice.

Issued by:
Baraawe Human Rights Protection
Communications Office
Afgooye, Somalia
[email protected]
In collaboration with Somali Civil Society Groups.

This release has been shared with international human rights organizations.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection Condemnation of Recent Violence in Wanlawayn District

Reports indicate that the United Kingdom and the European Union are providing financial support and training to the Daraawiishta forces in the South West state, who are currently engaged in violent clan conflicts.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection strongly condemns the recent acts of extreme violence, particularly the brutal murder of an elderly man who was subjected to severe beating, dismemberment, and ultimately burned alive.

This tragic event took place on the outskirts of the Wanlawayn district amidst a backdrop of persistent clan violence. Disturbingly, this elderly man was not the sole victim; an entire family, including a mother and her children, was also burned alive, leaving them reduced to mere ashes.

Evidence gathered from Somali civil society organizations suggests that the Daraawiishta forces, trained by the UK government, are fueling conflict and violence between the Galjecel and Hubeer clans of the Shantacaleemo clan.

Initial reports confirm that the recent clashes on the outskirts of Wanlawayn district, which resulted in the burning of an elderly man and several other civilians, involved soldiers from the South West state’s forces.

Sulayman Mohamed, the police commander in Wanlawayn district, has acknowledged the involvement of these forces in exacerbating tensions following the recent clan violence. Notably, a senior commander has been suspended and arrested, as illustrated in the attached photograph.

These incidents reportedly occurred shortly after serious allegations were levied against the South West state’s forces regarding their involvement in local clan violence near Wanlawayn. It is crucial to highlight that these soldiers have a documented history of participation in incidents involving local security forces.

As of now, the President of the South West state, Abdiaziz Hasan Mohamed Laftagareen, has not yet addressed the tragic deaths of these vulnerable civilians in the Wanlawayn district.

Sincerely,
Baraawe Human Rights Protection

Baraawe Human Rights Protection expresses gratitude to the Somali federal government for its efforts in securing the apprehension of a suspect with the assistance of Interpol.

The Office of the Attorney General successfully captured the individual in Kigali, Rwanda, and facilitated their transfer to the Somali government. The suspect arrived at Aden Adde International Airport on October 18, 2025, and was promptly handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the police for further processing.

Breaking News from Somalia

Date: 12 October 2025
Location: Afgooye, Somalia

Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, also known as Abu Mansur (born 10 October 1969), is a notable figure in Somali history, having served as the former deputy leader and spokesman for the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Affiliations:
- Al-Itihaad Al-Islamiya (1991–1996)
- Islamic Courts Union (2004–2006)
- Al-Shabaab (2006–2015)

Robow was initially a member of Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya and later joined the Islamic Courts Union. Following the onset of the insurgency against Ethiopian military occupation in 2007, he took on the role of spokesman for Al-Shabaab. In 2015, he defected from the group, citing ideological differences, and spent years in hiding in his hometown. In 2022, he was appointed as the Minister of Religious Affairs in the Federal Government of Somalia.

Currently, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali faces allegations related to the assassination attempt on Ismail Ahmed Aden, a Swedish Wokrd Health Organisation staff member in Goofgaduud, who was shot 19 times but miraculously survived.

Baraawe Human Rights Protection, in collaboration with Somali civil society organizations, has conducted an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this assassination attempt and has published a detailed report.

Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, now serving as Minister of Religious Affairs, is also wanted by Swedish courts to address legal charges against him.

International journalists, news agencies, and human rights activists are encouraged to support and promote this initiative for justice.

Issued by:
Baraawe Human Rights Protection
Communication Office
Afgooye, Somalia
[email protected]
In collaboration with Somali Civil Society Groups