Earlier this month – authorities in southern Somalia arrested seven teachers – the education heads had just returned from Al-Shabaab controlled areas and were charged with colluding with the militant group to replace the current school curriculum
The militant group seeks to impose a strict version of sharia law – to counter what it terms as “western” influence in the education curriculum
In areas near Afgooye and Jowhar – the group has set up makeshift sharia courts – forcing residents to bring cases for judgement – among the cases it has resolved include disputes related to inheritance, land and businesses
Authorities have issued a stern warning to those seeking justice from Al-Shabaab.
The president of HirShabelle – a regional state under Somalia’s federal structure proposed the creation of an Islamic sharia and appeal court to rival that of militants
HirShabelle is set to face objection because the current constitution of Somalia and its laws are already based on Islamic principles and endorsed by parliament
Religious scholars have called on strengthening the justice sector – a move – it argues will improve justice delivery and create trust among the public
In militants controlled areas, judgement is often characterized as brutal with experts saying that the punishment is not proportional to the crimes committed.
Meanwhile, authorities say that they hope to improve access to justice – and its training – prosecutors and judges as it seeks to strengthen the country’s justice sector
But with militants in control of most rural towns and villages – dissuading locals in those areas from seeking justice will prove to be an uphill task for Mogadishu
