Questions surrounding the demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Diriye

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Questions surrounding the demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Diriye

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – On Wednesday, the news of the untimely demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Mohamed Diriye, surfaced on social media.

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Khadijo Mohamed Diriye, Minister of Women and Human Rights died in Djibouti on Wednesday.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – On Wednesday, the news of the untimely demise of Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadijo Mohamed Diriye, surfaced on social media.

The confirmation, initially from Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s office rather than the family, triggered heightened suspicions, prompting calls for an autopsy to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

Khadijo Diriye’s last known location was in Baidoa on Monday, December 18, where she congratulated Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) on his 5th anniversary of presidency.

According to her office, she received an urgent travel request to Djibouti with Prime Minister Barre, who awaited her at the Mogadishu airport.

While official statements conveyed that Khadijo fell critically ill and passed away at a military hospital in Djibouti, concerns escalated, prompting demands for transparency.

Prime Minister Barre’s office expressed condolences, citing an acute illness during her participation in the Heritage Forum in Djibouti.

A subsequent announcement by the prime minister’s spokesman, Farhan Jim’ale, established a national committee to oversee Khadijo’s burial. Condolences from Djibouti’s Ismail Omar Guelleh and Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud followed.

However, questions linger regarding the nature of the acute illness and the hurried burial.

A source from the prime minister’s office claimed that Khadijo fell from the stairs in a Djibouti hotel, causing a pancreas rupture leading to her demise.

Despite this explanation, opposition figures, family members, and civil society representatives are pressing for a thorough investigation amid suspicions of possible foul play.

Galmudug’s Deputy Minister of Security, Ali Abdullahi Egal known as Ali Baashi expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death and called for a comprehensive inquiry.

Abdalle Mumin, leader of the Somali Journalists Syndicate, emphasized the need for an autopsy and an independent investigation.

"Only an independent autopsy can reveal the real cause of the death, not statements from the prime minister’s office or Villa Somalia. I think the family has the right to demand this,” said Mumin whose organization has previously collaborated with the Ministry of Women and Human Rights.

Khadijo Diriye, from a marginalized minority group in the Middle Shabelle region, had a distinguished political career spanning over two decades. Known for her criticism of powerful clans, she faced multiple attacks from politicians and religious groups adhering to Islamist ideology, primarily due to her attire and her proactive advocacy for a sexual violence bill. This legislation continues to encounter opposition from politicians subscribing to Islamist principles.

Reports even surfaced about her dissatisfaction with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s attempts to change the constitution, a move seen by many as a potential risk to the country’s stability.

As Khadijo’s family seeks a delay in the scheduled Thursday burial, the circumstances surrounding her passing remain shrouded in uncertainty, necessitating a thorough and impartial investigation.