The Cruelty of Hargeisa's Municipal Government

Mayor Abdilkarim Mooge, known for his penchant for self-promotion, hastily issued a statement late last night, attempting to distance himself from the tragic incident. However, in his rush to absolve himself of responsibility, he conveniently overlooks the fact that he often basks himself in the credit for the positive actions of his staff. This selective disavowal risks painting him as politically opportunistic, exploiting situations for personal gain while evading accountability for the actions of his administration. Such actions undermine the trust and credibility he seeks to maintain with the public, as they see through the facade of empty statements devoid of genuine empathy or commitment to justice

 

In the streets of Hargeisa, the heart of Somaliland, a horrifying tale of brutality and injustice has emerged, shedding light on the cruel treatment inflicted upon the vulnerable by the very authorities sworn to protect them. In a recent incident that shook the community to its core, a woman met her  demise at the hands of municipal officials, sparking outrage and condemnation across the nation.

The tragic event unfolded as the woman, known for her humble livelihood as a goat vendor, found herself in a harrowing confrontation with municipal agents who sought to forcefully seize her meager possessions. In a shocking display of callousness, the confrontation escalated to a fatal encounter, with the woman being struck down by a vehicle wielded by the very individuals tasked with upholding law and order.

This egregious act of violence is not an isolated incident but rather a grim reflection of a broader pattern of systemic abuse and neglect endured by the impoverished residents of Hargeisa, particularly women in the informal sector. The municipal government's treatment of street vendors and market women has long been characterized by disdain and cruelty, with reports of harassment, physical assault, and arbitrary confiscation of goods being all too common.

According to a baseline study conducted by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network in 2018, the local government derives a significant portion of its revenue – a staggering 62% – from street vendors operating within the city. Despite this substantial contribution to the municipal coffers, there exists a glaring absence of support mechanisms or social safety nets for these marginalized individuals, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

In the wake of the tragedy, attention has turned to the current mayor, who ascended to power amidst promises of championing the rights and welfare of street vendors and impoverished women in the informal economy. However, far from fulfilling his pledge, his tenure has been marked by an alarming escalation in the mistreatment and violence directed at the very constituents he pledged to serve.

The mayor's failure to deliver on his commitments has not only shattered the hopes of those who entrusted him with their votes but has also emboldened municipal officials to perpetrate acts of brutality with impunity. The fact that his administration sanctioned such egregious actions – culminating in the senseless death of a vulnerable member of the community – speaks volumes about the moral bankruptcy that plagues the corridors of power in Hargeisa.

In the face of such injustice, swift and decisive action should be taken to hold those responsible to account and to institute meaningful reforms that safeguard the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. Civil society organizations, and concerned citizens alike must come together to demand justice for the victim and to advocate for systemic change that addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality in Hargeisa.

The tragic death of the woman at the hands of Hargeisa's municipal government serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a more compassionate and equitable society, one where the rights of the most vulnerable are upheld and protected, rather than trampled upon in the pursuit of power and profit. Until such a transformation occurs, the specter of injustice will continue to cast a dark shadow over the streets of Hargeisa, haunting the conscience of all who bear witness to its cruelty.

Mayor Abdulkarim Mooge, known for his penchant for self-promotion, hastily issued a statement late last night, attempting to distance himself from the tragic incident. However, in his rush to absolve himself of responsibility, he conveniently overlooks the fact that he often basks in the credit for the positive actions of his staff. This selective disavowal risks painting him as politically opportunistic, exploiting situations for personal gain while evading accountability for the actions of his administration. Such actions undermine the trust and credibility he seeks to maintain with the public, as they see through the facade of empty statements devoid of genuine empathy or commitment to justice