Mogadishu – Hiraal Institute, a leading security think tank in Somalia, has raised concerns about its staff safety after releasing a report on the worsening security situation in the country during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s first year in office.
The organization has reported receiving threats and intimidation from former Hiraal Chairman and current National Security Advisor Hussein Maalin.
The report, which was released last month, highlights the rise of al-Shabab threats qnd multitude of challenges facing government in stabilizing the liberated areas.. It also calls for urgent measures to address the growing security threats to the country.
Since the report’s release, Hiraal Institute officials have reported several instances of harassment and intimidation from Maalin, who they claim is attempting to silence the organization.
The officials have stated that they fear for their safety and are calling on the government to take action to address their concerns.
“Mr. Maalin has been calling and sending threatening messages to our management, staff members, demanding that we withdraw the report and stop speaking out about the security situation in the country,” said an official at the Hiraal Institute.
“We are deeply concerned about our safety, and we urge the government to take this matter seriously.”
The threats against Hiraal Institute have been condemned by various human rights organizations, with calls for the government to provide adequate protection for the organization and its staff.
The incident has also sparked a national debate about the freedom of expression and the safety of journalists and civil society organizations in Somalia.
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, the think tank’s managers reiterated threats against the organization are a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and a direct attack on civil society organizations in Somalia, urging the government to take the matter seriously and takes concrete steps to protect the safety of all individuals and organizations working towards a better future for Somalia.
