Detainee and detention centre conditions in Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa

In Somalia, building a positive relationship between citizens and the police has been a vital part of efforts to improve security across the country. After decades of mistrust and tension, and weak formal security infrastructure, communities are making strides in establishing trust and cooperation between the state and people in Somalia.

This report presents an analysis of data collected from police stations and prisons in Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa between 2017 and 2020. The report includes recommendations on how to improve detainees' living conditions in Somalia’s prisons and how to best support future Police Advisory Committees’ work.

This report is part of Saferworld-supported Police Advisory Committees – voluntary groups set up as part of the ‘Restoring Stable Communities in Somalia’ project from 2016–21, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Download the report here.

Read more about our work in Somalia.

Read our briefing on Police Advisory Committees in Somalia.