Somalia: Military judge threatens to prosecute perpetrators of inter-clan conflicts "dead or alive"

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A fiery court-martial judge has vowed to bring perpetrators of inter-clan conflicts into the book "dead or alive", with the death toll of victims of renewed clashes hitting 80 in Somalia.

Col. Hassan Ali Nur Shuute, a renowned judge within the army tribunal, regretted that warlords have eroded gains made by the Horn of Africa nation, adding that "we cannot allow this backwardness" to ruin Somalia's reputation.

While addressing the media of Wednesday, Col. Shuut said "enough is enough" and asked authorities to press charges against war merchants" who had fueled animosity especially in the southern part of the nation.

Although Somalia has a fairly functional civilian judiciary, most terror and violence-related cases are prosecuted in court-martials, which are run through strict military doctrines, reports indicate.

His remarks have attracted support from a number of Somali citizens, who have blamed the clan militia of reigniting "horror" memories of the country's civil war, which left thousands dead and millions displaced in the 90s.

"That's is the correct language to use for the heartless perpetrators beheading people and burning," said Mahad Mohamoud. "Colonel Nor knows how to handle with these culprits. Law and order must be maintained in that region."

"Clan militias seem hell-bent on killing each other. As of now, the answer is military language. In the long run, there is a need for negotiated political solutions," added Abdi Osman, another social commentator.

Although they are considered as fast and reliable avenues for the administration of justice, court-martials have often been criticized in young democracies as "venue for repression" with victims crying foul for "selective" justice.

Mohamed Roble, a Somalia-based activist, insists that court-martial have nothing to do with civilian cases. According to him, "all parts involving this conflict are civilians with no record of security services".

"And the judge's remarks are not suitable and violates rule of law. Let the civilian courts deal with the matter. No need of armed forces court," he added on his Twitter account.

By Tuesday, there were at least 80 recorded inter-clan conflict-related deaths in Somalia. Thousands of people have also been displaced especially in the southern part of Somali, authorities said.

Some clan militia has been unleashing against civilians in Lower Shebelle, Lower Juba and in the vicinity of Dinsor town within the Bay region, reports indicate. But the commercial town of Wanlawayn is the worst hit.

There has been a collective effort by government bureaucrats to quell tensions, which are occasioned by traditional political grudges, economic marginalization, and the vicious land use, officials said.

According to reports, over 30 people have been killed in Lower Jubba, particularly in West of Kismayo. In Wanlawayn town of Lower Shebelle, 24 people have also lost their lives, reports indicate.

The same scenario was witnessed in Dinsor, Bay region, where at least seven people have also lost their lives. Data collected by observers and official indicate that over 90 percent of victims are innocent civilians.

Traditionally, inter-clan conflicts in Somalia have been the source of instability, where proponents fight for control of geopolitics, resources and at times land use. The fighting triggered the ouster of dictator Siad Barre in 1991.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is now facing a tough dilemma due to the recent clan conflicts, coupled with the unending Al-Shabaab attacks, which have also derailed efforts to form a functional government in Somalia.

For a couple of years now, court-martials have prosecuted and convicted dozens of people mostly suspected Al-Shabaab militants. Convicts are slapped with some jail sentences to extreme cases getting life or death penalties.

GAROWE ONLINE