Women full-face veil banned for security fears in central Somalia town

DHUSAMAREB, Somalia, May 17, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Authorities in central Somalia town of Dhusamareb have banned women from wearing
full-face veils in public places for security fears, Garowe Online reports.

In the more conservative society, the Paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea which is battling Islamist insurgents largely in central Somalia said, they are aiming to prevent militants disguising themselves as women.

Nur Elmi, a security official in Galgadud regional capital of Dhusamareb told the media on Sunday that the order imposes strict ban on face coverings:” The group for the annihilation of Somali people will not allowed to wear the full-face veil of women,” he said, saying they regard themselves as Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea.

Referring to Al Shabaab’s ideology, Elmi insisted that they will counter ‘propagation of Wahhabi teachings’ in the areas under the control of the group.

Ahlu Sunna militias wrested control of nearby Guri’el in deadly battles with Somali government forces in late 2014.

The paramilitary group adheres to Sufism, and emerged as powerful armed wing following puritanical practices by Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab militants.

In March 2012, Ahlu Sunna liberated Dhusamareb from the militants they consider ‘heretics’.

GAROWE ONLINE