Monday April 24, 2023
FILE PHOTO
Mogadishu (HOL) - Yusuf Hussein Jim'ale Madale, the Mayor of Mogadishu and Banadir Governor, has defended a video that displays him assaulting young men and women with a stick on Liido beach in Mogadishu.
The video ignited outrage on social media over the weekend. Madale, who was spearheading an operation in Mogadishu, said that the young individuals were using drugs and participating in immoral conduct. This incident has occurred amidst a growing drug abuse problem and the emergence of youth gangs in the city.
In response to the drug crisis, the Banadir region administration conducted a second night of operations against drug gangs in Mogadishu. The operation, led by Governor Maddale, targeted well-known drug use areas, resulting in the arrest of many young men and women. The Deputy Commissioner of Security and Politics, Mohamed Ahmed Diriye Yabooh, reported that around 50 Somali military uniforms and several AK-47 rifles were seized during the operation and handed over to the Banadir police chief.
After the video of Governor Maddale beating youths caught with drugs was posted on social media, the Deputy Governor defended the operation. He emphasized that the Banadir region administration is committed to cleaning Mogadishu of narcotics and the areas where they are used so that young people can secure their futures.
The mayor emphasized his responsibility to protect the morality of Mogadishu's youth.
"We seek stability, progress, aesthetics, and a strong culture in this city, so we will not tolerate actions that undermine the dignity of our people, our religion, and good morals. We have an obligation to safeguard the future of our Somali youth, who are the most significant force in our country," stated Mayor Madale.
Nevertheless, numerous people who viewed the video condemned the mayor for mistreating the youths. Subban Jama, a Somalia-based lawyer who is an advisor for the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, said, "This cruelty contravenes both the Somali penal code and the Shari'ah, both of which rest on procedural rules and due process." Additionally, Hodan Ali, Senior Policy Advisor at Villa Somalia, criticized the mayor's actions, stating, "Beating youth is NOT in the Mayoral job description. That's Al Shabaab's motto. Finding solutions is!"
Lower House lawmaker Abdirhman Abdukhadir Adde also expressed his disapproval of the mayor's actions, stating that they are no different from the practices of al-Shabaab. He added that it is not the governor's role to enforce the law, as this is how Al Shabaab treats people. Adde hopes that the mayor will apologize to maintain the people'speople's trust in the government and warned that if similar actions occur in the future, lawmakers will not be silent and that parliament will hold him to account.
Madale expressed his determination to close locations where drugs are sold and consumed, as they pose a problem for the security and residents of Mogadishu. He also aims to address the rise of youth gangs, known as "Ciyaal Weero," which have been engaging in criminal activities such as robbery, extortion, and drug trafficking.
Liido Beach is a popular destination for young people in Mogadishu to relax and unwind, especially on Fridays and holidays like Eid. The beach is situated near seafood restaurants, hotels, and parks.
In recent years, substance abuse in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia has increased, including among young women. People are turning to new types of drugs, such as opioids, which they inject directly into their veins. This has led to increased crime, including violence against women and girls.
The Somali government faces a difficult challenge with limited resources to tackle problems like drug addiction. The Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development found that more than 40% of street children take drugs, with nearly 10% using opioids and about 17% using sleeping tablets.