HARGEYSA (KAAB TV) – The president of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, has issued a decree mandating that the judicial system solely handle rape cases, explicitly forbidding the involvement of traditional elders.
The presidential decree follows a decision issued by the cabinet of ministers at its 129th session, held on June 13, 2024, which determined that only the judicial system should decide on cases of sexual violence and rape.
Presidential Decree:
The presidential decree instructs:
That the crime of rape be adjudicated by the competent courts of the country, ensuring that those accused receive the legal punishment they deserve, and safeguarding the basic rights and freedoms of citizens.
It instructs the Chief of Police and the Attorney General of Somaliland to ensure that those accused of committing rape are brought before the competent courts, and that such cases should not be addressed by any entity other than the judicial system.
This decision is expected to curtail the intervention of traditional elders in rape cases, which has sometimes led to the release of the accused and denied justice to the victims.