Somali military court hears case against two Ethiopians accused of al-Shabab links

Monday June 1, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Military Court on Sunday heard a case against two Ethiopian nationals accused of links to al-Shabab, prosecutors said.

Military prosecutors identified the defendants as Hamza Ibrahim Ali, also known as Abuu Irshad, and Nasri Abdirahman Ali, also known as Abuu Safiya. Prosecutors said both men are from Harar, Ethiopia, and speak fluent Somali.

Security officials said the two men were arrested during a planned operation by Somali intelligence forces in Baidoa, the capital of Bay region.

Prosecutors told the court that the charges relate to alleged participation in hostilities, training and the circumstances of the men’s entry into Somalia.

The prosecution asked the court to impose what it described as an appropriate sentence, arguing that the case should serve as a warning to others seeking to join al-Shabab.

A defense lawyer rejected the charges, saying the accusations were serious but unproven. The lawyer asked the court to return the two men to Ethiopia so they could reunite with their families.

The Military Court said it was reviewing arguments from both the prosecution and defense and would announce its ruling after completing its examination of the case.

Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked militant group, continues to recruit fighters and carry out attacks in Somalia despite ongoing military operations by Somali forces and international partners.