Thread by @AbdimalikAnwar

On rape cases that are relatively becoming epidemic in Somalia, I had a thought that it's simply because we as a community, more so the menfolk, have totally failed to stay true to human & Islamic values that we claim to subscribe to.

But the buck stops right at the leaders who are not giving this serious issue the attention it deserves.

It's happening under their watch serially but they aren't taking it into account and deliberating on it accordingly.

Protection for vulnerable groups starts with legal protection and implementqtion of the manifestations in the constitution & rule of law.

Legislators literally slept on their job and so do the President, PM, ministry in charge & clerics.

There is also a great sense of hypocrisy (for lack of a better word) in the part of the traditional elders & clerics (our defacto kingmakers). They are against any attempt of bettering the status & welfare of the Somali women.

They DON'T even want to hear anything of the sort.

In June 2018, I attended 4 days social contract retreat on capacity support to 2 parliamentary committees (Social affairs & Human Rights) to deliberate on 3 pending Bills (Sexual offences, Health & Education).

I practically saw how some of us choose 2 ignore the rot in our midst

The committees drafted smart & exclusive bills in unison on two of the thematic issues (Health & Education) but failed to even agree on the basic fundamentals of the remaining bill (Sexual offences) which was the most important as far as human rights is concerned

A section of the MPs, civil societies & experts seemed to portray a sickening level of conservatism and literally blockading the channels of coming up with a fair but all-round sexual offences bill.

I was co-chairing the Human Rights committee it was tough convincing them.

I remember, after a heated and long debate, they were advised to argue and discuss the bill when they go back to Mogadishu.

Most of the Kenyan consultants & expertees who were the hosts were perplexed & surprised with the level of defiance & decisiveness of the Somali MPs et al

The bill basically aims to protect victims of SGBV in Somalia & also enable them seek justice but it's so sad the kinda conservative and rather entrepreneurial "Wadaado" politicized the whole issue and registered alarming protests hence jeopardising the ongoing legal discourses.

On a particular note, Mudug & parts of Puntland region has been on the spotlight the last few years for such gruesome violations of the rights of the women; who were in the 1st place very much underrepresented in the political spaces.

High profile rape cases were rampant

I read this bill & I could only find 1 article that can have a bearing with the disheartening Galkacyo rape case:

Article 13: Abduction for the purpose of Rape
Sub-article 2: Anyone who incurs the aforementioned offence will be charged with an imprisonment between 5 -10 yrs

I believe that's a weak penalty. It doesn't also specify or have provisions to address more complicated cases.

This will obviously give a role to our ever baised elders who thrive on "Xeer Jajab" and its draconian manifestations.

I call upon the legislative arm of the govt to deliver its mandate and complete the sexual offences bill while liaising with relevant stakeholders (civil society & religious leaders). Sincerely speaking, the bill has overstayed there and its time to finalise it once & for all.

Calling upon the religious leaders to reclaim their true space in the society and champion for justice. They seem to have forgotten their main role (positive civic education). Most of them either mingled into the political system or taken a primary enterpernuerial role.

The injustices and cruel violations of fundamental human rights & their dignity will surely backfire with undoubtedly gloomy repercussions.

We are literally fools when we ask ourselves what is wrong with our nation when such barbaric things happen in our midst.