Ibtisam Posted January 28, 2009 Somalia's Islamist group, al-Shabab, has taken over the city of Baidoa, one of the last strongholds of the transitional government and the seat of parliament. They say they will introduce Sharia law in the city. Marian Zeila, chairperson of the Somali Media Women's Association, based in the city, give her views on the takeover. I'm concerned that the al-Shabab militants will prevent me from carrying out the work I do here in Baidoa - fighting gender-based violence. The fact that al-Shabab are bringing in Sharia law doesn't really worry me. Sharia law is a part of Islam, it's in the Koran. But it's their interpretation of the law that I disagree with. They are turning Islam into a harsh religion, which I don't believe it actually is. My organisation is trying to empower women who suffer domestic violence - and I don't think al-Shabbab will like us encouraging women to speak out. I am not angry with them yet, but I do wonder what effect their presence will have on the women of Baidoa. From talking to other women, it's my impression that civil society groups here are not happy with al-Shabab. I haven't been to work since al-Shabab took over Baidoa. Everything seems calm at the moment, but I plan to stay at home for another four days until I can be sure that it's safe to go to work. I did go out briefly today to the centre of town to do some shopping. I would say that today the atmosphere in Baidoa is relatively good - I saw women and children out in the streets, they were walking around freely. I am not afraid of al-Shabab and I don't think people in Baidoa fear them. I saw members of al-Shabab around town carrying guns today. They look incredibly young. I know that they have encouraged teenagers in Baidoa to join their movement, but they are not forcing anyone. People working for the transitional government in Baidoa are staying indoors. Al-Shabab have promised they will not harm them, but it remains to be seen whether this is the case. While the transitional government was in charge there was insecurity in Baidoa, they were unable to protect civilians. At least the al-Shabab have restored stability - for the time being. I am 23 and I got married just one month ago. If things stay calm in Baidoa, my husband and I will stay here. But we want to wait and see how this goes. Nobody knows what al-Shabab are planning to do. BBC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kool_Kat Posted January 28, 2009 It is good to read AlShabaabulXayawaaniin haven't harmed anyone yet...May be they're keeping their butchering on the downlow for the time being, yaa'og...Only time will tell... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ibtisam Posted January 28, 2009 ^^^maaxaad animales-kaa uu ceyesa?? *I just feel like sticky up for the xayawanka On the topic; Inshallah khyire for them people, I hope for better times ahead for them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kool_Kat Posted January 28, 2009 Remember though, xayawaanada only have rights where you and I are, not in Somalia... Soo tii la tuuryeen jiray xaafada haduu eey soo galo, mise adi maxasuusan kartid... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ibtisam Posted January 28, 2009 ^^^I was a nomad kid, dawacad iyo warabe ayan eryaan jirey, but we respected them for their cunning ways and made stories about it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted January 28, 2009 Al Shabaab or Ethiopians? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kool_Kat Posted January 28, 2009 Shaydaan or Cadow? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted January 28, 2009 ^Cadowgu waa'ayo? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kool_Kat Posted January 28, 2009 Yaad u maleysaa? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kool_Kat Posted January 28, 2009 Marka Shaydaan mise Cadow? Hade ka fiirso... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kamaavi Posted January 28, 2009 Qoolo, habo I urge you to drop that line, it is getting so old. Pick up new one for the sake of heaven. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted January 28, 2009 Waxa aad leedahay isma dhaamaan miya? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kamaavi Posted January 28, 2009 The shabaab line. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
