🔹 Baraawe Human Rights Protection strongly condemns the violence, gross human rights violations, and war crimes committed by the Darwish security forces deployed from Baydhabo in Burhakaba, Wanlawayn, Afgoye, Dinsoor, and Barawe.

🔹 The local residents have courageously stood up against the South West administration, protesting against their reprehensible behavior, including sexual abuse, rape, murder, and human rights violations.

These attacks have caused immense suffering and have sparked a public outcry against the administration of Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

🔹 The recent acts of rape that occurred in Barawe in February 2024 committed by Southwest state darwish have deeply shocked and saddened the community. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

🔹 Furthermore, the deployment of Dervish forces from the South West administration, brought from Baidhabo, to peaceful districts has only escalated tensions and led to insecurity and conflicts between these forces and the local population.

🔹 It is imperative that the international community pays special attention to this critical issue and supports efforts to restore peace, protect human rights, and hold those responsible for these grave violations accountable. The civilians living in the affected areas are in urgent need of assistance and rescue.

🔹 In addition to the rebellion against the South West administration, the Digil people in Dooy and Lower Shabelle have decided to establish their own administration called Dooy Shabelle state.

🔹 Another concerning issue is the presence of 23 illegal checkpoints in Afgooye district alone. These roadblocks, operated by militias related to the Dervishes of the South West state government, extort a staggering $70,000 daily from innocent civilians, businessmen, and public transport.

🔹 These militias not only exploit the local population but also commit gross violations of human rights, exacerbating the already dire situation.

🔹 Civil society groups report that the federal government of Somalia is aware of these illegal checkpoints and the heinous acts of the militias, yet no action has been taken.

🔹 We demand immediate action to eliminate these checkpoints and bring those responsible for these unlawful acts to justice. The federal government of Somalia and the international community must urgently intervene to protect the rights and safety of civilians in the lower Shabelle region and Dooy of Diinsoor and the affected areas.

🔹 Those who commit these crimes must be held accountable, and the rule of law must prevail to establish a just and peaceful society.

🔹 The situation demands immediate attention, support, and collaborative efforts to bring about positive change and restore peace and stability in the districts affected by these ongoing conflicts.

HumanRights #Somalia #PeaceAndJustice #StandWithTheVictims