Somalia: MP accuses Minister of Family & Human Rights Development of double standards

Somalia: MP accuses Minister of Family & Human Rights Development of double standards

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali lawmaker Kooshin has accused Somalia’s Minister of Family & Human Rights Development, Khadija Al Makhzoumi, of applying a double standard in responding to cases involving women in his constituency – Somaliland and southern Somalia.

Speaking during a parliamentary session Saturday, Kooshin criticized Al Makhzoumi after the ministry stated the death of a woman at Hargeisa General Hospital.

Kooshin said the minister had remained silent over what he described as the four-month detention of activist Sacdiyo Bajaaj, as well as the demolition of homes and displacement of civilians in southern Somalia.

He also accused the minister of failing to speak out over the demolition of homes and displacement of civilians, saying about 300,000 people had been displaced in Mogadishu by her government.

He further alleged that women had been subjected to gunfire, arbitrary arrests, restrictions, and other abuses without receiving a response from the ministry.

“Crocodile tears,” Kooshin said, accusing the ministry of condemning incidents in Somaliland while ignoring similar cases in southern Somalia. “What a double standard,” he said.

The MP’s accusation comes as the ministry faces allegations of widespread corruption, nepotism, favoritism and failure to fulfill its responsibilities. 

Kooshin also offered condolences to the family of the woman who died at Hargeisa General Hospital, praying that Allah grant her mercy and give her relatives patience and faith.

GAROWE ONLINE