Monday August 5, 2024
Al-Shabaab prisoners, mostly young men aged between 17 and 20, sit in a courtroom in Galkayo, Puntland. Several of these prisoners, who were sentenced to death for crimes including murders and bombings, recently escaped from a heavily guarded jail.
Galkyo (HOL) — Several Al-Shabaab prisoners sentenced to death have escaped from a heavily guarded jail in northern Galkayo, Puntland, authorities confirmed today. The prisoners, who were awaiting execution for crimes, including murders and bombings, managed to flee the high-security facility under unclear circumstances.
Former Mudug Regional Governor and current Member of Parliament Abdiladiif Muse Sanyare expressed his dismay over the incident. "Regrettably, murderers sentenced to death three years ago and awaiting execution have escaped," Sanyare said. He called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible for aiding the escape accountable.
This incident marks the second high-profile escape from Galkayo prison. In mid-July 2022, another group of death-sentenced prisoners managed to flee from the same facility.
The escape coincides with a visit to Galkayo by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, who departed for the city this morning. Recently, families of those killed in Galkayo have demanded justice for the convicted Al-Shabaab members, accusing the Puntland administration of attempting to facilitate the prisoners' escape and warning that this could lead to clan revenge attacks.
Most of the Al-Shabaab prisoners held in Galkayo jails are young men aged between 17 and 20. The Puntland administration, which has executed Al-Shabaab prisoners twice in Galkayo, has halted the execution of the latest captured members, most of whom are young.
Reports indicate that Puntland has faced pressure from international human rights organizations, which have previously called for a halt to the execution of young Al-Shabaab members sentenced to death. In February 2022, Save the Children urged the Somali government to intervene against the long imprisonment and death sentences handed down by Puntland to six young men accused of being Al-Shabaab members and committing planned murders.
The recent escape has raised concerns about the security and management of high-risk prisoners in Puntland, prompting calls for enhanced measures to prevent future incidents and ensure justice is served.