Issue No 612

Discrimination in Somali security sector and selective justice undermine war efforts
 

The Somali government has long been criticized for discrimination against minority and other marginalized communities, particularly Bantu communities that are politically and militarily weak.
 
These communities have faced decades of systemic discrimination, exclusion, and violence at the hands of the Somali governments and society, mainly committed by dominant clans. Somali Bantu communities, known as Jareerweyn, have distinct cultural, linguistic, and physical characteristics that set them apart from other Somalis. They have often been treated as second-class citizens, denied equal opportunities in education, employment, and political representation. This lack of access perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exclusion, limiting opportunities for economic and social advancement. Discriminatory practices not only perpetuate Bantu poverty but reinforce societal stereotypes of inferiority.
 
The lack of political representation for Somali minority communities remains devastating. Such communities are vastly under-represented in local, regional, and federal government, with very few Members of Parliament or other high-ranking positions. Discrimination against Bantu communities also pervades Somalia’s legal system. Bantus are often denied access to justice, and they are more likely to face unfair treatment in the courts.
 
On 18 August 2023, security forces in Mogadishu attacked the house of General Shegow Ali in response to “allegations of public disorder and petty theft” by his bodyguards. Four people were killed and more than a dozen others sustained injuries. General Sheegow was arrested and denied access to his family, legal representation, and legal aid. Due process was not followed.
 
Sheegow had successfully led the liberation of several towns from Al-Shabaab in Lower and Middle Shabelle during past military operations, including Operation Indian Ocean against Al-Shabaab in 2014. He is the highest-ranked officer from the Jareerweyn; his arrest was seen by some observers as an attempt by local clans to block him from leading the war against Al-Shabaab in South West State. Many question the charges filed against him, and the lethal force used against those protesting his arrest. Social media personalities advocating for Shegow’s release have been threatened, with some forced to leave the country. On 2 November 2023, Shegow was sentenced by the military court to 10 years in a controversial politicized process.
 
Shegow’s situation is unfortunately one of many similar situations. Soldiers from minority communities that are militarily and politically weak are often overlooked for promotions. Others get fired to make space for those from dominant clans. Accountability for such actions appears nearly non-existent. Commandeers from dominant clans often get away with a slap on the wrist for actions such as theft or diversion of weapons, even aid to and collaboration with Al-Shabaab.
 
In May 2023, an officer with the Somali National Army was arrested, being found to have allegedly facilitated the Al-Shabaab attack in Galcad. That attack cost the lives of high-ranking commanders, including Deputy Commander of Danab Major Hassan Tuure. The officer in question is yet to be charged.
 
Several senior SNA officers accused of facilitating the brazen Al-Shabaab attack on the Jaale Siyad Military Academy in July 2023 are yet to be held accountable. The Osweyne attack caused the greatest number of casualties to the SNA in recent years. Afterward Somali security forces marched from the frontlines in protest of their leaders, accused of undermining the campaign against Al-Shabaab. No one to date has been held to account.
 
It appears the Somali government is deliberately choosing which cases to spotlight and which to downplay, in part based on the origin of alleged perpetrators. The more marginalized Somali communities are disaffected, the more Al-Shabaab will gain the trust, acceptance and legitimacy of minority youth. How will Somali security forces be viewed by Bantus in Middle Juba, a bastion for Al-Shabaab? Will they be seen as the purveyors of salvation or just another brutal occupying force? The treatment of General Shegow, a former al-Shabaab defector from Middle Shabelle, will surely serve to alienate some minorities across southern and central Somalia.
 
To combat discrimination and promote inclusivity, the federal government must acknowledge the long-standing discrimination against Bantu and other minority communities in Somalia. It must implement policies to dismantle systemic discrimination and ensure equal access to justice, education, employment, and political representation. And the international community must exert political pressure on the federal government to enact legal and policy reforms that protect the rights of Bantu and other minority communities in Somalia.