MOGADISHU, SOMALIA – The Somali Women Journalists Rights Association (SOWJRA) strongly condemns the continuous, unlawful detention of female social activist and transport worker Sacdiya Moalim Ali, widely known as "Sadiya Bajaj." Sacdiya has now been held by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for over a month following her arrest in Mogadishu’s Hodan district. SOWJRA demands her immediate and unconditional release.

Key Areas of Concern

1.⁠ ⁠Violation of Rights: Sacdiya has been denied access to regular legal counsel and family visits.

2.⁠ ⁠Targeting of Women: Her detention represents a targeted attempt to silence vocal women and independent civic voices.

3.⁠ ⁠Constitutional Breach: Holding a citizen for over a month without formal charges violates basic Somali constitutional protections.

4.⁠ ⁠Suppression of Speech: Peacefully speaking out against fuel prices and youth unemployment is a protected right, not a crime.

Our Call to Action

● To the Federal Government: Immediately order NISA to release Sacdiya or present her transparently in a fair court of law.

● To International Partners: Pressure Somali authorities to uphold human rights standards and protect female activists from arbitrary arrest.

● To the Media Community: Continue raising awareness about Sacdiya’s case to counter the shrinking space for free expression.

SOWJRA stands in solidarity with Sacdiya Moalim Ali and all women fighting for their economic survival and free expression in Somalia. Defending the working class is a civic duty, and poverty alleviation advocacy must never be criminalized.