MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali federal security forces detained three women in the capital Mogadishu in June 2026 over allegations that they were involved in “promoting same-sex relationships,” according to security officials who spoke to Baaritaan on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
The officials said the women, who they described as dual citizens of Western countries, were arrested in the Hamar Weyne district of the capital and transferred to Mogadishu’s central prison. The women have not been publicly identified, and it was not immediately clear whether they have been formally charged or have access to legal representation.
One police officer noted investigators believe the three women entered Somalia at least three or four months before their arrest. “Based on our investigation, they had been in the country for several months before they were detained,” the officer said.
The officer alleged that one of the detainees had traveled from Paris after undergoing medical procedures intended to alter her physical appearance to resemble a man. Baaritaan has not independently verified that claim.
Authorities added that the three women were living together in a three-room house before they were arrested. Officials unveiled the operation followed information provided by members of the public but did not disclose additional details about the intelligence that led to the raid.
A second official from Somalia’s Criminal Investigation Department alleged that investigators believe one of the women presented herself as a man and that the other two women were her partners. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Somalia is among a number of African countries where same-sex relationships remain illegal or are subject to severe legal and social penalties. The country’s legal system is influenced by Islamic law, and homosexuality is widely rejected in Somali society.
Public prosecutions involving allegations related to same-sex relationships have been rare in Somalia, and it is unclear whether this case will proceed to an open trial.
Several Somali police officials told Baaritaan that foreign embassies in Mogadishu contacted authorities after the arrests. According to the officials, diplomats requested permission to visit the detainees and, in some cases, sought their release.
“Some of the requests were to allow diplomats to meet with the detainees,” one official said. “There were also requests for their release, but those requests were rejected.” The officials declined to identify the embassies involved.
Baaritaan was unable to independently verify the officials’ claims regarding diplomatic contacts. Attempts to obtain comment from diplomats believed to be familiar with the matter were unsuccessful.
If Somali authorities decide to prosecute the women publicly, the case would likely be among the country’s most prominent involving allegations related to same-sex relationships. It remains unclear whether the government will pursue a public trial, deport the women, or resolve the matter through other legal or administrative measures.
