7.1.2. Crimes committed by non-state armed forces

Al-Shabaab controls large parts of South-Central Somalia and has committed excludable acts in areas under their control as well as in areas under the control of government and state forces. Human rights abuses by Al-Shabaab include, among others:

• terrorist attacks on civilians
• targeted killings (including extrajudicial and politically motivated killings)
• recruitment of children
• killing, maiming, abduction, rape and other forms of sexual violence against children
• rapes and other types of sexual violence
• disappearances
• inhuman and degrading punishments
• attacks on employees of NGOs and the UN
• blockade of humanitarian assistance
• attacks on schools and hospitals
• operation of courts imposing punishments that include executions and corporal punishments

[Security 2023, 1.4.1., p. 40; Actors, 4.3., pp. 61-65;  4.4., pp. 65-67; 4.5., pp. 66-67]

ISS has been involved in IED attacks and killings in Puntland, Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle. It has also established links with human traffickers to collect new recruits [Actors, 6.1., pp. 74-75].

Clan militias have reportedly perpetrated violence against the civilian population, including torture and degrading treatment. Various human rights violations are attributed to clan militias: child recruitment, deprivation of liberty, killing and maiming of children, rape and (conflict-related) sexual violence, attacks on school and hospitals, abductions, denial of humanitarian access [Security 2023, 1.4.1., p. 42; Actors, 3.6., pp. 56-57].