The coastal city of Barawa in Banadir witnessed a disturbing incident last week that exposed a deep-rooted corruption within the police force and the towns elders. Innocent young men were falsely accused of drug possession, leading to their arrest and subsequent demands for a large sum of money as ransom. These unjust actions have once again highlighted the longstanding oppression faced by the Barawa community
The ordeal began in the late afternoon hours of last week when 5 young men were playing football by the beach after completing their Asr prayers by the mosque. This had been a customary activity for them, known to many in the community. However, their evening took a
turn when they were reprimanded by patrolling officers, who wrongfully accused them of taking drugs, an illegal offense in Barawa. Despite their denials and the absence of any evidence, they found themselves trapped in a web of false allegations and therefore remained in custody until a fine is paid.
In Barawa, the penalty for drug-related infractions will result in being fined $500 USD or facing imprisonment. This reality casted a daunting shadow over the young men, particularly as they were unemployed and lacked the means to handle such punitive measures. Adding to the injustice was the dire medical condition of one of the individuals, who suffered from severe asthma and had only one functioning kidney. They are currently still being held in custody with an exorbitant demand for their release.
Shockingly, it came to light that the arrest and subsequent demands for ransom were part of an elaborate plot to extort money from Banadir people whose relatives are living in the diaspora. Reports indicate that certain individuals within Barawa had struck secret deals with the district police, instructing them to specifically target young men from the Banadiri community. By falsely implicating these innocent individuals, the corrupt members sought to receive a ransom of $500 USD from their relatives.
Disturbingly, this corrupt arrangement between influential figures in Barawa and the police force has been ongoing for months. It is alleged that one of the perpetrators behind this corruption is Kassim Mohamad Dine, the traditional leader of the Biida tribe in Barawa. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the community, as the very leaders entrusted with safeguarding their interests have been involved in such nefarious activities.
The distressing reality for many residing in Barawa is further compounded by the poor living conditions and lack of opportunities. The last living Banadiri survivors in Barawa since the 1991 massacres have endured inhumane circumstances, with no viable means of sustenance or prospects for education and employment. This situation has resulted in a large number of Banadiri individuals fleeing from their homeland, seeking refuge in cities likCorruption Exposed: Innocent Barawans Fall Victim to False Arrestse Mombasa or as far as Europe in search of new opportunities and a chance to escape the pervasive oppression and corruption that has overshadowed their lives.
As the truth behind these false arrests comes to light, it is imperative that the voices of the oppressed are heard, and those responsible are held accountable. Only through collective action and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice can Barawa and its residents hope to overcome the decades of oppression they have endured.
