Outrage as Somali General Accused of Overseeing Rape Joins All-Male Delegation at Women, Peace, and Security Conference in New York

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 23 October 2024 21:56

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Outrage as Somali General Accused of Overseeing Rape Joins All-Male Delegation at Women, Peace, and Security Conference in New York

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Anger erupted as Somalia sent an all-male delegation, including a military general accused of overseeing the rape of women detainees, to the 6th Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) meeting in New York.

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Lt. General Bashir Mohamed Jama (centre) is seen at the Women, Peace and Security conference in New York on Tuesday 22 Oct. 2024. | PHOTO/X.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Anger erupted as Somalia sent an all-male delegation, including a military general accused of overseeing the rape of women detainees, to the 6th Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) meeting in New York.

General Bashir Mohamed Jama, who served as commander of the Somali Prison Corps and head of the National Intelligence Agency, is now Minister of Family and Human Rights.

He took over the ministry in July after its name was changed from the "Ministry of Women Affairs and Human Rights." He also holds a parliamentary seat after his wife, Sahro Olad Abdi, resigned under pressure.

"Attended the 6th Women, Peace, and Security meeting in New York. Somalia remains committed to empowering women in peacebuilding and enhancing their role in national security and leadership," Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Many were shocked to see the general in New York, accompanied by former minister and MP Abdullahi Godah Barre (pictured below), both men attending a conference on women's issues.

The meeting, held on October 21-22, was themed "Reclaiming Women, Peace, and Security: Defining a Path Forward."

The all-male delegation’s presence at a women’s conference sparked outrage, especially among Somali women, who took to social media to express their dismay.

Activists were quick to point out the irony of a general who "oversaw the rape of women detainees” attending a conference focused on women’s rights.

"Somalia’s decision to send an all-male delegation to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Conference in New York has raised concerns about the lack of female representation in discussions on women’s roles in peacebuilding and security," said Muna Mohamed, a women’s rights activist.

In response to the controversy, Somali women’s groups held an online discussion on October 23, calling for a boycott of General Bashir Goobe's ministry. Similar protests were voiced by activists in late July after his appointment.

On social media, critics ridiculed the general’s post. "Are you going to wear Dirac and gorgorad?" wrote Mohamed Geelle, referring to traditional Somali women's clothing.

Others condemned the appointment. "This man has made men feel ashamed. Leave the women alone. Find another position," wrote Abdirahman Mohamed.

"It would be more appropriate for you to resign and return to your military job," suggested Abdirashid Shaluco.

General Bashir Goobe, previously the commander of the Somali Custodial Corps, oversaw widespread sexual violence against women detainees at Mogadishu Central Prison during his tenure, which began in 2015.

Though the case was referred to court and then-Attorney General Ahmed Ali Dahir promised justice, it was quietly dropped due to political interference.

In July, the Somali Gender Equity Movement (SGEM) wrote to the Prime Minister expressing their outrage at Goobe’s appointment.

"In a Cabinet of 75 members, only 9 (12%) are women, and now women have lost one minister and one state minister, reducing their representation to 7 (9%)," the letter stated.

SGEM, representing nearly 8,000 Somali women, emphasized that replacing women with men in government positions is a significant setback for gender equality.

"The positions held by Somali women that are now being given to men mark a significant step backward for gender equality in our country," the letter continued.

The controversy surrounding General Bashir Goobe’s appointment continues to highlight the ongoing fight for women’s rights in Somalia, as well as broader issues of justice for victims of sexual violence.