Detained by foreign forces inside Somalia

Not every Somali held by a foreign power has left the country. African Union contingents have detained Somalis at their bases and on patrol since 2007, under an immunity that keeps Somali courts out; bilateral forces — American, Turkish, Ethiopian, Kenyan — operate their own facilities and hand people to NISA. This page collects what has been recorded, and asks for what has not.

What is known

2007–2025
AMISOM, ATMIS, AUSSOM contingents

Somalis detained, beaten and held for weeks at African Union bases and during patrols; AU soldiers operate under blanket immunity that in most cases prevents Somali citizens from obtaining legal redress. In one 2023 case a man said his vehicle was shot up and he and three others were detained and beaten by AU soldiers. "AUSSOM is the same as ATMIS and AMISOM. A new name, but the same force." thenewhumanitarian.org

2022
Burundian AMISOM troops, Buurane, Lower Shabelle

Troops routinely detained civilians on suspicion during patrols and curfews, holding many under arbitrary detention for weeks or longer; the account of a mother whose 18-year-old son and his friends were ordered inside by patrolling troops. bylinetimes.com

2024
ATMIS peacekeepers

Implicated in the deaths of two civilians and the injury of a third in one documented case; the result of ATMIS's own investigation was not available at year's end. The US State Department recorded extrajudicial killings of civilians by ATMIS forces. state.gov

Standing
United States, Turkey, Ethiopia, Kenya (bilateral forces)

OPR has not yet documented a sourced case of a Somali detained by US, Turkish, Ethiopian or Kenyan bilateral forces inside Somalia, or transferred from them to NISA. Testimony sought.

Open questions

Which AU bases have held Somali detainees, for how long, and under what procedure were they released or handed over?
Has any Somali obtained redress for detention or abuse by AU troops, given the mission's immunity?
Are Somalis detained in US or Turkish-supported operations held at foreign-run sites before transfer to NISA, and where?
What agreements govern transfers between Ethiopian or Kenyan forces in Somalia and Somali security services?

Tell OPR

If you were held by AU troops or by foreign forces inside Somalia, or you know someone who was: give a testimony, pitch a piece, or WhatsApp OPR at +252 61 977 5580.