Mogadishu, SOMALIA – In a troubling development, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has shown a readiness to suppress free speech and thought, culminating in the firing of Samira Gaid, a respected analyst and former lead on security at the Office of the Prime Minister from 2017 to 2020. Her termination came after she commented on the contentious constitutional amendments that the Somali Federal Parliament in Mogadishu passed on 30 March, amendments broadly rejected by Somali politicians and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.
The Persecution of Samira Gaid
Samira Gaid’s alleged transgression was a simple post on X (formerly Twitter), in which she asserted that “there is no alternative to genuine dialogue and reconciliation” in response to the forced and anti-consensus new constitution. This innocuous statement, which merely echoed the sentiments of many Somalis, was met with swift retribution from the FGS. Just hours after her post, Abdirizak Mohamed, the Minister of Petroleum and a fellow Dam Jadiid member who also happens to be President Hassan Sheikh’s third maternal cousin, publicly admonished Samira, accusing her of “posturing partisan politics” and “spewing partisan political rhetoric” while working for the Ministry of Internal Security (MoIS). This public rebuke was a clear attempt to intimidate and silence Samira for expressing her legitimate concerns about the constitutional amendments.
What is even more disturbing is that the Minister’s post was preceded by calls from government officials pressuring Samira to post forced supportive messages, revealing the lengths to which the FGS is willing to go to harass and pressure individuals into following the partisan path of President Hassan Sheikh. This blatant attempt to stifle dissent and force conformity is a deeply troubling indication of the government’s authoritarian tendencies and its complete disregard for the principles of free speech and thought.
The official justification for Samira’s termination, as stated in the letter sent by State Minister of Security Mohamed Ali Haga, was that her tweets on political issues “directly contradict the principles of impartiality and neutrality that are essential for individuals serving in advisory roles within government projects.” This reasoning is not only unfair but also incorrect. The Ministry does not contract Samira directly; rather, the European Union (EU) does through their implementing partner. Moreover, as a Somali citizen, Samira possesses the inalienable right to comment on the constitutional changes. The law protects this right, and it is enshrined within the constitution itself.
The fact that Prime Minister Hamza Barre himself ordered Samira’s firing is a testament to the pettiness and fragility of the entire government. Hussein Sheikh Ali, also known as Hussein Moalim, advised him in this decision. Having failed in his job as the National Security Advisor because his underlings usurped his position, Hussein has now assumed the role of the government’s social media policeman. This transition from a once-respected advisor to a monitor and censor of citizens’ online activities represents a deplorable state of affairs. It starkly indicts the FGS’s priorities and shows its complete disregard for the principles of good governance.
The EU’s Complicity and the Erosion of Democratic Values
The implications of this incident extend far beyond the personal injustice suffered by Samira Gaid. If the EU acquiesces to the FGS’s pressure and allows the removal of Samira, it will be a devastating blow to the values and beliefs that the EU purports to uphold. The FGS is not only stifling free speech and thought within its own ranks but also attempting to extend its control over the EU’s contractors. If the EU in Somalia capitulates to these demands, it will be tantamount to an admission that they not only support a regime committed to forcing through illegal and non-consensus constitutional changes but also that they are willing to allow that regime to dictate what their contractors can think and say.
The situation in Somalia is rapidly deteriorating, with the FGS increasingly resorting to authoritarian tactics to quash dissent and maintain its grip on power. The international community, and the EU in particular, must take a stand against this blatant violation of democratic principles and human rights. Failure to do so will not only embolden the FGS to continue its repressive policies but also undermine the credibility of the EU as a champion of freedom and democracy.
It is imperative that the EU and other international partners unequivocally condemn the FGS’s actions. Furthermore, they must exert pressure on the FGS to engage in genuine dialogue and reconciliation with all stakeholders Somalia, including those who oppose the controversial constitutional amendments. Only by taking a firm stance against the FGS’s authoritarian tendencies can the international community hope to prevent Somalia from sliding further into the abyss of repression and instability.
The stifling of dissent and the suppression of free speech and thought are the hallmarks of a government that has lost its way and is no longer serving the interests of its people. The Somali people deserve better than a regime that seeks to silence their voices and deny them their fundamental rights. It is time to hold the FGS accountable for its actions and for the international community to stand in solidarity with brave individuals, like Samira Gaid, who dare to speak truth to power.
