Somalia: Jubaland Bans Islamic Face Veils Amid Security Concerns

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland Security forces in Kismayo, a port city in southern Somalia, have confiscated hundreds of Islamic face veils, commonly known as niqabs, from female residents, according to the city's police chief, Warsame Ahmed Gelle.

The crackdown, which began last Wednesday, was prompted by fears that jihadists could use the veils to conceal their identities and carry out attacks.

Large parts of southern and central Somalia are under the control of al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group that has been waging a brutal insurgency against the UN-backed government in Somalia for nearly two decades.

On Friday, dozens were killed in an attack at a popular beachfront location in Mogadishu, the capital, highlighting the ongoing security threats in the country.

Officers in Kismayo have been stopping women in the streets and forcing them to remove the niqabs, which cover the entire face except for the eyes. Women caught wearing the niqab face jail or a fine.

The operation is taking place in Kismayo and its surrounding areas in the state of Jubaland, as these are the only places in the state where authorities can enforce the ban due to al-Shabab's control over much of southern Somalia.

The state initially introduced the niqab ban in 2013, citing security risks, but it was rarely enforced until now. Niqabs are seen as a sign of modesty in Islam, a religion that is practiced by 100% of Somalia's population. Wasame noted that the garment had recently increased in popularity among women in the area.

GAROWE ONLINE