Mogadishu, Somalia – The local community of Mogadishu was left in shock and mourning when Luul Cabdi Caziiz Maxamed, known affectionately as Luul Jaziira, tragically lost her life under the hands of her husband Siid Cali Da’ud Maxamed. Luul, a mother of six children, had been working as a civil servant at Aden Adde International Airport. She was known for her dedication to her family and her role within the community.
Luul, born to a Sheekhaal Jaziira and Sheekhaal Gendershe parents in the Dharkenley area of Mogadishu, had experienced significant hardship in recent years. She became a widow in 2021 after the passing of her husband, leaving her as the sole provider for her children. It was during this difficult time that Luul met Siid Cali Macalin Daa’uud Maxamed, born into a Habar Gidir family. Siid Cali offered his support by marrying Luul.
Siid Cali Macalin Daa’uud Maxamed allegedly physically assaulted Luul, inflicting severe injuries including a broken leg.
However, disturbing claims have since emerged about Siid Cali’s behavior, suggesting that jealousy may have driven him to carry out the unspeakable acts of cruelty to his wife that led to Luul’s tragic demise. On the evening of January 26th, 2024, in the Dharkenley district, Siid Cali allegedly physically assaulted Luul, inflicting severe injuries including a broken leg. In a shocking turn of events, he then proceeded to pour petrol in one of the rooms of their house, locking Luul inside before setting it ablaze. Luul’s children, who were present at the time, managed to escape to safety but saw their mother suffer in the flames as the murderer laughed. One child reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Due to inadequate emergency services, it fell upon nearby residents and neighbours to extinguish the fire and rescue Luul. She was rushed to Digfeer Hospital in Mogadishu. Tragically, Luul, who was six months pregnant at the time, was severely burnt especially from the waist upward. Succumbing to her injuries, she passed away one week later, on February 2nd, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community.
Adding to the distressing circumstances surrounding Luul’s death are claims of collusion involving senior government officials, local authorities, and tribal affiliations. It is alleged that Siid Cali evaded justice with their assistance, escaping to Galmudug under the protection of those with tribal loyalties. This news, often very common in Somalia, further deepens the despair felt by Luul’s bereaved family and the wider Banadiri community.
Disturbing testimony from Luul’s young children has revealed that this was not the first instance of Siid Cali displaying violent behavior. He had previously threatened their mother, using a lighter and deodorant spray, insisting it was all in jest. Since Luul’s hospitalization, her family and the community have been protesting in front of Digfeer Hospital, demanding justice and urging the authorities to facilitate her medical treatment abroad. Unfortunately, their pleas have yet to be acknowledged or fulfilled, there has been a complete lack of attention from the Somali authority and no indication of any proactive investigative measures being taken to apprehend the criminal. This case seemed destined to be dismissed and forgotten with no proper resolution or attention.
Luul, who was six months pregnant at the time, was severely burnt especially from the waist upward.
It was the large outcry and pressure on social media that resulted to the Mayor of Mogadishu and local police finally paying a visit to Luul’s grieving family. They claimed to offer assurances that the perpetrator would be found and justice would be served. Additionally, they also claimed to support the education of Luul’s children.
Siid Cali whereabouts was unknown for a few days, eventually he was found and apprehended in the outskirts of the town Wisil, Mudug, by members of his own tribe and handed over to the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), the situation remains tense. Luul’s family and clan elders unanimously demand that he face the death penalty as retribution for his heinous crime. Until this occurs, they refuse to bury Luul, symbolizing their unwavering determination to see justice prevail. Reports suggest that the perpetrator’s brother has offered blood money as an alternative to the death penalty.
The tragic loss of Luul Jaziira serves as an absolute reminder of the deep-seated issue of tribalism in Somalia that protects criminals and corrupt government officials. This event took place only a month after the horrifying incident of sexual harassment of a young Banadiri student in a Madrasa (Quranic School) in Mogadishu. The teacher, a sexual predator, shockingly received protection from his tribe and reports even indicates that he was sent to America, roaming free without facing any consequences for his reprehensible actions.
As the community mourns the loss of Luul Jaziira, they stand united in their call for justice and accountability. They refuse to let her tragic demise be in vain, determined to create a lasting legacy that quashes tribalism and ensures no other family endures such heartbreak in the future.
