The Current Political Landscape in Somalia

 

The political situation in Somalia is still conflicted. The country is still struggling to establish a state that encourages freedom of speech and values human life.

 

These issues have caused numerous challenges and significant suffering for Somalians, forcing them to seek a better life outside of the nation.

 

 

The uncertainty of life as a civilian

There has been a significant increase in civilian casualties in Somalia, most of which were a result of attacks by the extremist group Al-Shabaab, which used explosive devices, shellings, and suicide bombings, to carry out attacks.

In addition, there have been continuous armed confrontations in Mogadishu between security forces and political parties that have displaced 60,000 to 100,000 people.

The increasing cases of sexual and gender-based violence

According to a UN report, there has been a consistent rise in sexual violence in Somalia, especially against girls, often ending with the victims getting killed.

 

The Somali criminal code does not classify sexual violence as a violation of a person’s body and also takes strict actions against people in same-sex relationships.

 

Being a Muslim state, Somalia also uses Sharia law in courts which leads to the death penalty for people who participate in same-sex relationships.

 

The ongoing severe abuses against children

Children in Somalia have been heavily impacted by the country’s conflicting political situation and the lack of critical reforms for children.

All parties to the conflict have committed extreme abuses in the past against Somali children. These include ongoing killings, recruiting children as soldiers, and attacking schools. Children have also been detained children for their ties with armed soldiers and groups.

There have also been efforts to reduce the age of marriage, which would allow children to marry at puberty regardless of age.

The diminishing freedom of expression and association

The authorities in the country have repeatedly arrested, harassed, and attacked journalists, making Somalia extremely unsafe for critics of the government.

 

Join the Drive — Donate to Somali Community Link Today

 

Stay updated with the current political situation in Somalia through Somali Community Link. The initiative sheds light on the plights of the Somali Community and is working towards improving the lives of Somali refugees and immigrants in the United States.

 

Somali Community Link also offers a Somali community youth initiative, an employment program, case management services, Somali refugee education funding, resettlement services, and more to bridge the financial, cultural, and language gap faced by the Somalis in Ohio, US.

 

Reach out to them today for more information, or donate here.

 

 

 

 

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