Somaliland Court convicts Quran teacher of Child sexual assault

This week, a high‑profile rape case has captured public attention in Burao and across Somaliland. Local media have identified the perpetrator as Mohamed Jama Hassan, a madrasa Quran teacher, who has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two children.

According to a statement from the Office of the Attorney General, Hassan was initially charged with two rape offenses. He was later convicted by the Togdheer Regional Appeals Court on both counts, following a controversial acquittal by a lower court.

The case involves two separate incidents that occurred in April this year in Burao. The first incident took place on April 10, when Hassan allegedly lured a 9‑year‑old boy by offering 20,000 Somaliland Shillings (approximately $2 USD) in exchange for directions. He then took the child to a shop, purchased a drink, and drove him to a remote area, where the assault reportedly occurred between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. While still at large, the convict allegedly approached an 11‑year‑old girl on April 21 as she was returning from school. He asked for directions, offered her a ride, stopped at a shop to buy her a drink, and then drove her to a secluded area, where the second assault reportedly took place.

Prosecutors and the Attorney General’s office presented several pieces of evidence. They reported tracing the suspect’s phone number and mobile money transactions used to purchase drinks and fuel during both incidents, which led to identifying his personal details. More critically, medical evidence was submitted. Two certificates from Burao Hospital confirmed physical injuries consistent with sexual assault. Both children also independently identified the suspect in three separate police lineups.

Initially, the Togdheer Regional Court acknowledged that sexual assaults had occurred but ruled that “there was insufficient evidence” to prove Hassan’s responsibility, resulting in his release. The Togdheer Regional Appeals Court later overturned that decision, finding him guilty on both counts. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for each offense and ordered to pay financial compensation for the victims’ physical and psychological harm.

In response, Quran teachers in Burao held a joint press conference, accusing the Togdheer regional prosecutor and security agencies of targeting religious figures. “We are protesting the abuses and false accusations being made against Quran teachers, which specifically target them,” they said. Quran teachers in Hargeisa echoed similar concerns in a press conference. Notably, both statements omitted any mention of the victims, who are children, and made no reference to their accounts.

Following these press conferences, Colonel Abdiasis Ismail, spokesperson for the Somaliland Police Force, warned the public against spreading “propaganda” through media. “Everyone has the right to file an appeal on the case within 30 days,” Ismail said adding that “anyone who does not file an appeal and instead speaks to the media and spreads false propaganda — the police force will treat it as an act of disturbing public order.”

The reporting of rape and sexual offenses in Somalia and Somaliland remains critically low. A powerful cultural taboo links sexual violence to shame and family dishonor. This is compounded by widespread victim-blaming myths and a lack of support systems, leaving survivors isolated and fearful of disbelief. Even when cases are reported, the justice system is largely ineffective. More than 95% of sexual assault cases are diverted from formal courts and settled by traditional elders under customary law.

However, the recent Burao case has sparked widespread uproar among religious circles. Although the suspect has been found guilty and is expected to appeal, the case has already exposed the persistent taboo surrounding sexual violence. Some religious groups have framed the case as an attack on them, dismissing it outright despite the court’s ruling.