‘I saw injustice and chose law to fight it’
Mohamoud Said Abdirahman, one of the recipients of the UNDP law scholarship in 2009, now serves as the Chair of the Puntland Bar Association, where he champions free legal aid for Somalia’s most vulnerable populations despite severe resource constraints and numerous challenges.
Mohamoud, 38, received a UNDP scholarship in 2009 to study Bachelor of Sharia and Law (LLB) degree at the Puntland State University. He graduated in 2013. The scholarship was exclusively available to government employees working in rule of law institutions. At the time, Mohamoud was serving with the Puntland Custodial Corps, a prison guard unit, which qualified him for the scholarship. He was one of 170 young government staff members awarded this opportunity. He had learned about the scholarship while living in Bosaso, and it inspired him to enter the legal field. Mohamoud shared about his journey with UNDP’s Kamal Raj Sigdel and Ilyas Abukar in Garowe, Puntland. Below is an excerpt from the interview:
Q: Could you tell us what drew you into the law field and how has been your journey so far?
My interest in the law field has grown since an early age. Before I even graduated, I had established a law firm in Garowe, where I noticed that there was very limited awareness about legal rights and court procedures. Vulnerable communities, in particular, were not familiar with the legal system. I wanted to help. I learned that there was UNDP scholarship programme for government staff working in the legal sector. I joined the Puntland Custodial Corps to qualify for the scholarship and was lucky enough to get the scholarship in 2009.
After graduating, I joined the Office of the Attorney General of Puntland as a prosecutor assistant and worked there for two years. Later, I worked at the Puntland Legal Aid Center from 2016 to 2019, which provided me with invaluable experience. Supported by UNDP, the Center focused on offering legal assistance to marginalized groups, including women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable populations. The scholarship changed my life, and now I’m trying to change others’ lives.
Q: Can you share a case you were able to help resolve?
One case that stands out involved a woman with four children. Her husband had abandoned them, refusing to provide any financial support. By chance, she encountered him in the market and confronted him, leading to a minor altercation. She later came to the Legal Aid Center, where we registered her case and took her statement. We worked with the police to locate her husband, who was subsequently arrested and brought to court.
In court, the judge ruled that while the husband would not serve jail time, he was required to pay for his children’s upkeep, support his wife, and cover medical expenses for the family. He accepted the ruling and began providing the necessary support. Although they later divorced, this outcome allowed her to receive the assistance she and her children needed. Cases like these, particularly family disputes and land disputes, are common at the Legal Aid Center, which often handles around ten cases daily.
Q: Do you have any message for UNDP?
UNDP has been pivotal in supporting rule of law initiatives, and I urge them to continue strengthening these capacities. The Bar Association, which includes both male and female lawyers, plays a crucial role in ensuring access to justice, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, youth, and the elderly. The Bar Association’s mandate includes providing free legal aid, protecting human rights, and educating citizens on their rights and duties. This, in turn, fosters a society where crime is reduced, and everyone understands their legal responsibilities.
We also support government institutions in drafting and enacting laws. However, to fulfill our responsibilities effectively, we face financial constraints and a lack of infrastructure. For instance, the Government of Puntland is now introducing an amendment mandating the Bar Association to provide free legal aid to those who cannot afford it. This increased responsibility requires additional resources, and we seek continued support from UNDP and the international community to help us fulfill our mandate. The Bar Association currently relies on voluntary contributions from its members, but this is neither sustainable nor sufficient.
Q: What specific challenges the Bar Association is facing in providing legal services?
The Bar Association faces several challenges that impact our ability to deliver on our mission, particularly in providing free legal aid to vulnerable groups like women and children.
Firstly, sustainable funding for operational costs is a key hurdle. Essential expenses — utilities, supplies, security, and administrative salaries — are crucial for maintaining a supportive environment for our practitioners but remain underfunded. Additionally, office rental costs strain our resources, limiting our capacity to provide a secure, professional space for client interactions and legal work.
Secondly, resource gaps in office technology and communications hinder our efficiency. With limited access to computers, case management software, and remote communication tools, our practitioners face difficulties in streamlining client interactions and case handling.
Lastly, funding for training and development is inadequate. To advance legal capacity, our members need regular access to workshops, mentorship, and skill-building programs. Addressing these gaps is essential for us to serve the community effectively and foster professional growth within the Bar. I call on the international community to extend their support so that we can promote access to justice and make immediate positive changes in the lives of Somali people.
Read more about the work of UNDP at www.undp.org/somalia
