Mogadishu, Somalia – A federal Somali lawmaker, Sadiq Abdullahi Abdi, took to his official X account to issue one of the most forceful public critiques of the country’s justice sector in recent months, casting a stark light on corruption, clan-driven favoritism, and the misuse of authority by officials. His message resonated widely online, capturing the frustration of citizens who feel increasingly unprotected by institutions meant to uphold fairness.
Abdi’s concerns mirror the lived reality of many Somalis who have grown accustomed to legal processes shaped not by evidence but by influence. Families seeking justice often find themselves entangled in a system where outcomes appear negotiable, and where those with the least power endure the greatest injustices. For countless people, courtrooms have become places of uncertainty rather than refuge, and every step through the process can feel like a reminder of how vulnerable they are.
These systemic failures, Abdi warned, have consequences far beyond individual cases. When public trust in the justice system erodes, communities turn inward, relying on clan ties for protection instead of national institutions. This shift deepens social fractures and undermines efforts to build a unified, stable Somalia. Young people in particular, already navigating economic hardship and insecurity, see little incentive to believe in a system that rarely moves in their favor.
In his post, Abdi pressed for urgent reforms rooted in transparency and accountability. He called for leaders willing to confront entrenched interests, for oversight mechanisms capable of resisting corruption, and for a judiciary rebuilt on principles that treat every citizen equally. He stressed that meaningful change starts with acknowledging the depth of the crisis and committing to rebuild public trust from the ground up.
His intervention comes at a critical moment, as Somalia works to strengthen governance and reinforce fragile institutions. Whether his message sparks the political resolve needed to overhaul the justice system remains to be seen. But for many Somalis who have long felt invisible in their own courts, his public warning gives voice to a shared truth: without credible and honest justice, the country’s progress will remain painfully fragile.
