I am Loukman Youssouf Hassan. I will try to recount my story, a story of suffering, struggle and hope. In this testimony, I’d like to convey what it means to fight for justice and freedom when faced with overwhelming repression.
The Reconstruction Meeting on January 1st 2023
On January 1st, 2023, I had a meeting with Dr Daher, the president of MRD. We had a lengthy talk about the injustices, corruption and discrimination that exists in our country. It is one of these moments that fills you with energy and hope, and makes you willing to commit. But literally everything changed after I left his house.
- Men not in uniform seized me with brute force. I could not identify their face or understand the reason behind attacking my person. I was beat to a pulp before I was forcibly shoved into a car. My head was blindfolded and from what little I could see, I was in some danger.
For seven days, I was in an undisclosed location where I was interrogated non-stop and tortured both physically and psychologically. I endured everything, from each scandal to beatings while hoping for my resolve. Regardless of my hardships, deep down, I was aware that my fight was moral. This meant that surrendering was not an option.
Decemebr 18, 2023: The Sorrow Grows Deeper.
On December 18, 2023, I took part in a demonstration honoring the martyrs of Arhiba and Bouldouqo. These men and women sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and we were there to pay tribute to them. We were a threat to those in power.
I was arrested once more, taken to the central police station in Djibouti. I was jailed for ten days, suffering ten days of psychological pressure, intimidation, and dread. They wished to silence me, to shatter me, but I did not cave. Silencing myself would end up meaning betraying every single person that believes in democracy.
July 5, 2024: The Arrest That Changed Everything
On the date of July five, in the year 2024, a rest tht caught my attention was when my federation was conducting a work meeting at Ambouli, n police raided and arrested everyone without any explanation. I got arrested and put in Ambouli police station then was moved to Nagad detention center. This time, things were not the same. I was by myself, being treated like a prisoner because of my political views.
They had dropped all pretenses. They bluntly told me that I was at risk of torture and life imprisonment. Each day brought a greater sense of pressure. They wished for me to vanish without a trace. In that moment, It dawned on me that remaining here would be like putting the ink on a death sentence.
To Survive, You Need to Escape.
Then it came down to making a choice that proved to be exceptionally difficult for me: I had to flee. To me, it was not a choice; instead, it felt a little more than a choice such as an dire option. I understood that should I stay, I would bid goodbye to my family, friends, and homeland forever. Leaving offered me an opportunity to fight back in a different way. While I am alive, my voice will never be muted.
A Battle That Has No End In Sight
As of today’s date, I stand here to ensure people do not turn a blind eye towards the current events. The repression that Djibouti experiences is extremely violent, cruel, and savage. But, there, we will not cease. We shall persist in opposing the injustice and work towards a future that guarantees justice and freedom for all.
