Tuesday July 15, 2025
Ahmed Nur Mahmoud, a Somali police officer, is seen in custody after his arrest for allegedly assaulting a woman in Mogadishu. Authorities say he will face prosecution following a full investigation. Credit: Police Handout
Mogadishu (HOL) — A Somali police officer has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman in Mogadishu, in a case that has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the country’s security forces.
Authorities identified the officer as Ahmed Nur Mahmoud and said he was taken into custody following reports that he intentionally beat a civilian woman. The Somali Police Force confirmed the arrest on Tuesday and said a full investigation is underway.
“The officer's attack constitutes a direct violation of Somali law and the code of conduct expected from armed service members,” the Banadir Regional Police Command said in a statement. “He will be brought before a competent court to face justice.”
The case has reignited debate around police abuse and impunity in Somalia, where citizens have long criticized security personnel for using excessive force without accountability.
Police officials reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for such behaviour, pledging that “no one is above the law.” They also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of citizens and restoring public trust in law enforcement.
Civil society groups welcomed the arrest but stressed that deeper institutional reform is needed. “This arrest should not be a one-time response,” said one activist who asked not to be named due to safety concerns. “We need long-term accountability mechanisms, not just reactive arrests.”
The Somali government has faced mounting pressure to overhaul its security institutions as the country continues to rebuild after decades of conflict. While recent reforms have aimed at professionalizing the police force, critics say implementation remains slow and weak as incidents of abuse persist.