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DUSAMAREB, 6 November 2026 — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said no one is being held in Somalia for political reasons, describing it as a sign of the government's tolerance and openness to dialogue.
"Today, there is no prisoner in the Federal Republic of Somalia held in jail for political reasons," Mohamud said Thursday night at a farewell event for guests who attended the inauguration of the new leadership of Galmudug State in Dusamareb.
Mohamud dismissed claims by some politicians that they are not safe in the country.
"Some people say they are not safe, not safe at all. What I am telling you is that no one is held for political reasons. So why can't a politician feel safe if he has not been arrested?" he said.
The president said many people who could be arrested under the law remain free, as the government prefers to engage them.
"There are many who would be detained if the law were followed, but the government keeps pursuing them with advice and appeals to reason. Every day it sends people to them, the next day others, so that they come back to their senses," he said.
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"No one is detained or killed for their views," he added.
But Mohamud drew a line at incitement and armed mobilisation.
"Turning people against each other, stirring people up, handing people weapons and telling them to take up their guns, there is no place where that is permitted or appropriate," he said.
He again urged the opposition to join the dialogue forum opened by the federal government.
"If anyone has a better idea than this forum, let them tell us, and we will accept it," he said.
The remarks come amid a political dispute between the government and the opposition over constitutional amendments, the terms of office of state institutions and the format of elections.