Societies that are yet to experience the ugly face of terrorism have every reason to cherish their good fortune. Such places which are few around the globe cannot adequately feel the pulse of distraught victims of suicide terrorism. The situation last week in Somalia was gruesome.
When a suicide bomber in police uniform detonated his bomb vest at the General Kahiye Police Academy last Wednesday morning, eighteen bodies fell on the ground lifeless.
The victims had been rehearsing for an upcoming ceremony and many of the officers there were female. This was to be the highest number of female officers killed in an Al- Shabaab attack inside Somalia. Among the dead was Farhiya who had dedicated her life to serve and protect her country which is still struggling to deal with insecurity. Farhiya’s hopes, dreams and patriotism were all shattered by the action of the suicide bomber that fateful morning.
This week has been a dangerous one for Somali female police officers. Earlier a female police officer identified as Rayan Salat was shot dead near her house in Seya Piano area of the capital city, Mogadishu. The assailants fled from the scene and have remained at large. The small number of female officers in the Somali Police force encouraged more women to join the force, not only to prove their mettle but to contribute significantly in national defence.
But the Al-Shabaab had not been known for attacking serving police officers whether male or female. Initially they focused their weapons of destruction primarily at foreign, or more specifically, Western establishments in the country. Now, the group no longer discriminates against targets, which is cause for concern for the authorities.
Somalia has a great history of having female police officers especially who serve creditably in military and para-military establishments, especially before the civil war. But if the recent killings are anything to go by it is most likely that women may be discouraged to join a force serving a dangerous capital city.
