Wajir County stakeholders have resolved to end the use of the traditional Somali arbitration system, ‘Maslaha’ in handling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, citing the need to uphold justice and protect victims’ rights.
The resolution was reached during a two-day forum organised by the Italian-based VolontariA Association in collaboration with DAWN and the Wajir County Government’s Department of Peace Building and Cohesion.
Speaking during the forum, Wajir County Director of Peace Building and Cohesion, Mr Adan Abdi Ahmed, said the meeting aimed to ensure that survivors of SGBV access justice through lawful institutions.
“The objective of this meeting is to address gender-based violence and the continued use of the Maslaha system. We want a lasting solution so that victims can get justice through the law,” said Mr Ahmed.
He noted that cases of sexual and gender-based violence were on the rise in the county, adding that traditional settlements often undermine victims’ dignity and rights.
“There are many cases in the county, and this affects our dignity as a community. These issues are dragging us down, and we must unite to address them once and for all,” he added.
Retired chief and community elder, Mr Abdi Shakur, urged leaders to fully hand over SGBV cases to law enforcement agencies and the courts.
“Let us agree today that this matter should be left to the police and the courts to do their work. Traditional arbitration should not be used in such serious cases,” he said.
Wajir County Civil Society Consortium Chairperson, Ms Fatuma Yussuf, warned that clan influence had contributed to the mishandling of SGBV cases in the county.
“Clan interference has made the situation worse. Rape cases are increasing, and if we speak with one voice and avoid involving clan structures, we can address this problem,” she said.
Religious leaders at the forum also supported the resolution. Sheikh Noor called for the decisions reached to be widely shared with the public to enhance awareness and protection.
“We must ensure that what we agree on here reaches the community. Protecting our girls and boys requires unity and awareness,” he said.
SUPKEM Wajir Branch Deputy Vice Chairman, Sheikh Hassan Ahmed Hussein, said religious teachings should not be used to shield perpetrators of sexual violence.
“If a case of rape is confirmed, elders should not intervene. Such matters must be handled by the law,” he said.
The forum brought together peace stakeholders, including elders, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, civil society organisations, security agencies, county officials and development partners, to address the rising number of SGBV cases in Wajir County.
By Hamdi Buthul
