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Public Calls for Police Reform as Authorities Pledge Justice for Victim
Hargeisa (HOL) – A Somaliland police officer has been taken into custody after a video of him assaulting a young woman went viral on social media. The footage, widely circulated online on Thursday, sparked outrage among the public and led to swift action by authorities.
In an official statement, the Somaliland Police Command confirmed the arrest of Officer Hadi Omar Baadi, stating that his actions were in violation of the police force’s ethical code. The statement further emphasized that the officer would face legal consequences for his misconduct.
“The Somaliland Police Command has arrested Hadi Omar Baadi, who was filmed slapping a young woman, an act that goes against the ethics and culture of the Somaliland Police Force. The accused will be brought to court immediately,” the statement read.
The incident has reignited public discourse on police misconduct and the need for systemic reforms within Somaliland’s security forces. While some officers have been prosecuted for human rights violations in recent years, others who have committed similar offenses—some even caught on camera—have managed to evade justice. This has led to concerns that accountability within the police force remains inconsistent.
Legal experts and human rights advocates argue that reforming the police system is the only way to curb such abuses effectively. Lawyer Guleed Dafac, a prominent advocate for improved police ethics, stressed that the problem of police harassment would persist unless substantial changes were made to the system.
“The problem of police harassment will not change unless the system is reformed,” Dafac stated. His remarks highlight a broader concern that individual prosecutions alone are not sufficient to address the root causes of police misconduct.
The current Somaliland administration has previously experienced police abuse during its time in opposition. This history has led the government to pledge significant reforms in the country’s justice system, including improvements to police ethics and prison conditions. However, despite these promises, incidents of police violence continue to surface, raising questions about the effectiveness of the measures taken so far.
Public confidence in the justice system is crucial for maintaining law and order. Many Somaliland citizens and human rights organizations believe that without structural reforms, cases like this will continue to occur. The arrest of Officer Hadi Omar Baadi may serve as a temporary measure to placate public outrage, but long-term solutions are necessary to prevent future abuses.
The viral video has triggered widespread condemnation, with many Somalilanders calling for stricter oversight of law enforcement officers. Social media users expressed their frustration over repeated instances of police brutality, demanding more transparency and accountability from the authorities.
“This is not just about one officer. It’s about an entire system that allows such abuses to happen repeatedly,” one activist wrote on Twitter.
Human rights groups have also weighed in, urging the government to take stronger action against officers who engage in misconduct. They have called for better training programs that emphasize human rights, as well as independent oversight bodies to monitor police activities.
As Somaliland moves forward, the case of Officer Hadi Omar Baadi will serve as a test of the government’s commitment to justice and police reform. The public will be closely watching to see whether the officer is held accountable or if this case will follow the pattern of previous incidents where justice was not fully served.
For long-term change, experts suggest implementing policies that improve police recruitment, training, and accountability mechanisms. Additionally, strengthening civilian oversight and ensuring that law enforcement officers adhere to international human rights standards will be essential steps in preventing further abuses.
While the arrest of the officer is a positive step toward justice, it remains to be seen whether Somaliland will take the necessary actions to ensure that such incidents become a thing of the past. Only through comprehensive reforms can the country build a police force that truly serves and protects its citizens with integrity and fairness.