A shocking case of child abuse in Puntland ended with the execution of a woman convicted of killing a teenage domestic worker, highlighting long-standing concerns over the protection of children in Somalia.
Hodan Mohamud Diiriye, 34, was executed by firing squad on Tuesday in Galkayo after a court found her guilty of murdering 14 year old Saabirin Saylaan, who had been living with Diiriye’s family as a helper.
Authorities said the execution followed a request from the victim’s family, who opted for retribution instead of financial compensation under Islamic law.
Saabirin’s death in November had already stirred anger in Galkayo, prompting protests demanding justice and stronger measures to safeguard children working in homes. Officials noted that cases of abuse often go unreported, especially when they occur within extended families, making this one particularly prominent.
The execution was carried out under “qisas”, a principle in Islamic law that allows victims’ relatives to demand the death penalty for murder. A decree in the Mudug region requires that such laws be enforced. Faysal Sheikh Ali, the regional governor, said members of both Saabirin’s and Diiriye’s families were present when the sentence was executed.
Puntland authorities said this was the first execution of a woman under a retaliatory sentence in over ten years. The last known case in 2013 involved 13 members of the Islamist group al Shabab, including one woman, who were executed for their role in killing a prominent Islamic scholar.
Saabirin was orphaned as a baby after losing both parents. She initially stayed with relatives before her great-aunt agreed to let her live with Diiriye’s family last year, who had requested a domestic helper.
During the two months she lived in their home, police said Saabirin suffered frequent beatings and abuse. Investigators recovered videos and audio recordings from Diiriye’s phone that documented the violence, some of which leaked before the trial. In one audio, Diiriye can be heard saying: “I’m enjoying your pain.”
A post-mortem report found multiple injuries and deep stab wounds, indicating ongoing torture. As news of the abuse spread, hundreds of women and youth marched in Galkayo, holding placards reading “Justice for Saabirin” and calling on authorities to prosecute everyone involved.
The case has reignited calls from activists, elders, and community leaders for accountability and stronger protections for children and domestic workers, highlighting the urgent need for safeguards against abuse in homes across Somalia.
