MOGADISHU (AEA) – Somalia’s human rights record came under the international spotlight on Friday as the United Nations Human Rights Council began its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the country in Geneva.
The review, which takes place every five years, evaluates Somalia’s progress in protecting civil liberties while the country remains embroiled in a long-running war against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
In Mogadishu, government officials defended their record, arguing that security operations are being conducted with “increasing adherence” to international law.
“We are building institutions from the ground up in the middle of a conflict,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice.
“The UPR process is a chance to show the world our commitment to reform.” However, human rights groups have raised concerns over press freedom and the protection of internally displaced persons.
On the security front, the Somali National Army (SNA) reported on Friday that it had neutralized several high-ranking Al-Shabaab commanders in the Galmudug region.
The operation is part of a “sustained offensive” aimed at reclaiming strategic towns before the scheduled drawdown of international peacekeeping forces.
The economy remains a bright spot in some sectors. The Central Bank of Somalia announced on Friday that remittances from the diaspora have hit a record high for the first quarter of 2026, providing a vital lifeline for millions of Somali households.
Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources is finalizing details for a new round of offshore oil exploration licenses. The government hopes that potential oil revenues will eventually fund the country’s ambitious “Vision 2030” development plan, though transparency advocates are calling for strict oversight to prevent corruption.
