MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – In a devastating turn of events, Wanla Weyn district, located in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, mourns yet another loss as a young woman falls victim to femicide.
Seynab Hussein Omar, aged 29, was ruthlessly shot dead by her ex-husband in broad daylight on Monday morning while she was simply buying groceries at a local market in Wanla Weyn town, about 90km southwest of Somalia capital, Mogadishu.
According to Mohamed Haji, the Deputy Commissioner of Wanla Weyn, the assailant, armed with an AK-47, callously opened fire, causing panic among bystanders before fleeing the scene.
Despite the swift response of law enforcement, the perpetrator engaged in a shootout with armed officers, ultimately meeting his demise on the spot.
“The police chased him but since he was armed he opened fire then the officers shot him dead. That is how he died,” he said.
Seynab, a mother of four, leaves behind a grieving family, stunned by the sudden and senseless loss.
While her relationship with her ex-husband had soured, her family asserts they were unaware of any disputes that could escalate to such a tragic end.
However, speculations arise that Seynab’s new romantic involvement may have ignited jealousy in her former partner.
Seynab’s murder adds to the alarming trend of femicide sweeping Somalia. Recent cases, including the murders of Luul Abdiasis in Mogadishu on January 26 and Fowsiya Muhsin in Qoryoley, Lower Shabelle on February 3, underscore the urgent need for action.
Although Luul’s killer has been sentenced to death by the Banadir Regional Court, justice remains pending as the perpetrator remains in custody.
The escalating violence against women in Somalia is a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing society.
Women activists attribute this surge in femicide to the lack of protection for women and entrenched patriarchal norms. In a culture where women are discouraged from speaking out against abusive partners, grievances often go unheard, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity.