MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – In a disturbing revelation, a nurse at Madina Hospital in Mogadishu exposed shocking numbers of sexual violence against young girls and boys, primarily in displacement camps in November 2023.
Two months after this revelation, members of the Somali Parliament engaged in heated debates on the floor last week, shedding light on a dire situation that has been escalating over the years.
According to the hospital’s records from January to October 2023, a staggering 265 cases of sexual violence against underage boys and girls were documented. Of these cases, 209 involved girls under 18, while 56 affected boys.
Disturbingly, the majority of these heinous acts were committed by armed men.
REPORT: 265 cases of rape have been documented by a hospital in Mogadishu during the past 10 months (January to October 2023), according to medical staff at Madina Hospital in #Mogadishu #Somalia. pic.twitter.com/49pCXiwajY
— Kaab Somali TV (@KaabTV) November 2, 2023
MP Abdirahman Addow passionately brought the issue to the forefront, urging the Speaker of the Parliament to allow the House to address the deteriorating conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.
This plea arose during discussions related to the refugee and displacement bill presented by Minister of Interior and Federal Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.
“Mr. Speaker, the situation of the IDPs has deteriorated; rape and sexual violence have become constant. There is no education in the camps, and these people are trapped on rented land, where some landlords exploit them as gatekeepers to receive aid,” MP Addow asserted.
Rejecting the dehumanization of vulnerable citizens displaced within their own country, MP Addow pointed out the stark contrast with foreign refugees, like Syrians, who resist entering refugee camps in Mogadishu.
Numerous MPs advocated for rebranding the term ‘IDPs’ with a more dignified term, such as ‘Dan Wadaag’ which translates as ‘common purpose’.
“It is unacceptable that our citizens are treated with indignity just because they are displaced. Even Syrian refugees refuse to enter camps,” emphasized MP Addow, calling for sustainable solutions for the IDPs who have endured camp life for over two decades.
Forced evictions, poor hygiene conditions, and a lack of protection persist as major challenges facing IDP communities in Mogadishu.
Activist Anab Ali, speaking to KAAB TV, highlighted that the recorded hospital cases represent only a fraction of the actual incidents due to underreporting driven by fear of stigma and insecurity.
“These hospital records only capture severe cases. Many women fear reporting sexual violence due to stigma or a lack of safety. The actual number is likely much higher than reported,” warned Anab Ali.
In response to the crisis, Anab and IDP community leaders in Mogadishu have been advocating for robust measures to safeguard vulnerable communities. This includes enacting laws to protect women and girls from sexual violence and forced marriage, as well as ensuring the overall safety of displaced families across the country.
The urgent call for action echoes amid a growing humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and comprehensive solutions across the Horn of Africa.