Somalia: Al-Shabaab wives in military court over their husbands' crimes

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Four wives of Al-Shabaab militants have been arraigned in a military court over crimes purportedly committed by their husbands, in one of the most momentous trials which could shape the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that has been wreaking havoc in Somalia for over 16 years.

The wives, prosecutors said, are being charged over terror-related incidents, in a trial that has attracted members of the international community, and that perhaps could shape the fight against terrorism, in a country that faces dangers from not only Al-Shabaab but also ISIS-Somalia group.

Military court documents recognized the women as Aisho Muhyadin Mohamud, Khadro Mohamed Isse, Nimo Farah Sheikh-Doon, and Sahro Isse Hussein. They were charged with aiding and abetting Al-Shabaab activities in the country, leading to the deaths of several members of the public.

Records from the court show that a number of women were initially in darkness on activities done by their husbands. However, they denied having prior knowledge and collaborating with their husbands to wage attacks against innocent civilians and members of security forces.

Evidence presented in court notes that security forces noticed bags containing explosive devices in the vehicle where the women and a driver traveled from the Kunyo Barrow area in the Lower Shabelle region. Prosecutors said the women were going to their husbands at the time.

According to the driver, he had been given the assignment to deliver the devices to Bakara market in Mogadishu, an indictment that could put the ladies in trouble. The court is set to rule on the case in the coming days, and should there be a conviction, the case would be a landmark for future proceedings on terrorism in court.

Somalia is fighting Al-Shabaab militants and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has insisted that he is committed to defeating the militants, thus activating the second phase of operations against the group in parts of Jubaland and Southwest states of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE