A senior United Nations human rights expert has issued an urgent appeal to the international community not to abandon Somalia in its fight against terrorism, warning that the country faces immense challenges as it battles Al-Shabaab and Daesh militants with limited resources. Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, delivered a sobering assessment after concluding an official visit to Somalia, stressing that global support remains crucial for the country’s stability.

“This is a critical moment for Somalia,” Saul said in a statement released on Wednesday. “Sustained international engagement is essential to help the country build lasting peace, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights while fighting terrorism.” His warning comes as Somalia continues to struggle with violent extremism, with Al-Shabaab controlling parts of the south and center while Daesh expands its presence in the northeast. Despite military efforts, these groups still carry out deadly attacks on civilians, government forces, and aid workers.

Saul acknowledged the Somali government’s counter-terrorism strategies, including military operations and programs to counter radicalization. However, he raised serious concerns that some methods used in the fight against militants risk violating basic human rights. “I recognize Somalia’s efforts to prevent terrorism, but the country faces severe security and resource limitations,” he said. One major issue is Somalia’s broad legal definition of terrorism, which Saul warned could be misused to target critics, restrict press freedom, and silence civil society.

The UN expert also criticized the use of the death penalty for terrorism-related crimes that do not involve intentional killings, calling it a violation of international law. He highlighted widespread problems in Somalia’s justice system, including arbitrary arrests, long pre-trial detentions, lack of legal representation, and cases of enforced disappearances. Prison conditions, he added, fail to meet basic standards, and military courts handling terrorism cases lack proper independence and fair trial protections.

Children and women are among the most vulnerable victims of Somalia’s conflict, Saul noted, expressing deep concern over reports of killings, forced recruitment, sexual violence, and trafficking. “These are war crimes and must be treated as such,” he said. He urged Somalia to prioritize rehabilitation programs for former combatants, especially women who survived sexual violence after being abducted or recruited by extremist groups.

Another major concern is how counter-terrorism laws are affecting humanitarian work and media freedom. Aid groups have long complained that restrictions on engaging with groups like Al-Shabaab—even for life-saving assistance—make it harder to operate in crisis zones. Saul warned that such laws are also limiting journalists’ ability to report on security issues and restricting the work of human rights organizations.

To address these challenges, Saul called for stronger oversight of security forces and a renewed focus on tackling the root causes of extremism, including poverty, corruption, and discrimination. “Somalia must work harder to promote peace, good governance, and inclusion of marginalized communities,” he said.

Perhaps his most urgent warning was about declining international support. Recent cuts in foreign aid, he cautioned, could undo the fragile progress Somalia has made. “I urge global partners to maintain political and financial support for Somalia,” he said, emphasizing that withdrawing assistance now would be disastrous.

Saul’s full findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in 2026, but his message is clear: Somalia’s fight against terrorism is not just its own—it is a global responsibility. “The Somali people have suffered enough,” he said. “They deserve the world’s solidarity, not abandonment.” As the country struggles to overcome violence and instability, the international community must decide whether to stand with Somalia or risk letting it slip back into chaos.