Somali region bans veiled women

Security is a major challenge in Somalia as the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabab group continues attacks including suicide bombings and assassinations.

The directive by the Middle Shabelle region’s administration Friday said the ban would take effect on 25 December, warning that acting contrary to the ban would lead to arrests and prosecutions.

Security has been tightened across Jowhar town ahead of the inter-regional state formation conference for Middle Shabelle and its neighbouring Hiran regions which is set to take place in the town on

January next year.

The development comes two days after Elders in the central Somali region of Hiran region agreed to attend the planned inter-regional Hiran and Shabelle regions state formation, ending months of dispute

over the conference’s arrangements.

Abdikarim Omar Maalin, a spokesman for the region’s administration says that the ban would help security forces to secure the town before on the eve of the conference.

Large parts of the women Somalia, an overwhelmingly Muslim nation wear the veil which they see as a cultural interpretation of their faith as well as a symbol of modesty and privacy.

 HOL