A street in the Somali capital Mogadishu. April 4, 2010. Mogadishu has not seen peace since 1991 when the functioning Somali government was overthrownBombs, mortar shells and bullets have displaced more than a million people in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. Halima Mo’alim Abikar is not one of them. The 50-year-old human rights activist decided to stay put to ensure that abuses committed as African Union-backed government forces and Islamist militias battle it out are not forgotten.
To mark the second World Humanitarian Day IRIN spoke to Abikar by phone about her life and work with the Hanad organization.
"I was born and bred in Mogadishu; I have witnessed the civil wars and the factional fighting that continue to this day.
"My days normally begin at dawn after morning prayers; I then walk or take a bus to our offices 2km away. We begin by discussing with colleagues that day's activities. Sometimes we organize protests against atrocities committed by the warring groups; at times we are busy trying to find support for a girl who was raped the day before. We are never short of something to do. The need here is immense.
"Recently [3 August], a group of [21] women were killed when a bomb exploded as they were cleaning a street. We organized a demonstration to protest against the killings and condemn those behind it. For us [at Hanad] it was another day of doing what we do every day.
"I do what I do because of what I have seen in Mogadishu: I have witnessed horrific acts of depravity; I have seen a seven-year-old raped and I have seen toddlers torn to pieces by shells.
"After some time, and along with other like-minded women, I decided I could not remain silent about what was happening in my own backyard. That is why we formed our organization, to advocate for peace and human rights.
"In Mogadishu today, women and children bear the brunt of the violence. Violence is a daily diet for us here. Our children know no other life. How can one remain uninvolved and unmoved by this?
"Whatever started this war, nothing can justify what is happening now; and that is why I do what I do to try to help stop it. If I can contribute, even a little bit, to peace and stability in my country, I will die a happy woman.
"The main challenge we face every day is what everyone in Mogadishu faces: the general insecurity. You cannot be sure that if you leave your home you will come back alive or even in one piece.
"In addition, I face personal challenges because not everybody approves of what I do. Of course there are bound to be people who see what we do negatively and we face that.
"A number of humanitarian and human rights workers have been killed or threatened in the city. I know of people who receive messages threatening them. I know of people killed because of what they do.
"At Hanad, we try to be impartial at all times and we don't side with any group. We tell them [the warring sides] that we are not on any side but on the people’s side. That is all we can do. I sometimes use my poetry to raise their consciences. What else can I do? I don’t have bodyguards or weapons to defend myself.
"Everything else I leave to God."
Disclaimer:This material comes to you via IRIN, the humanitarian news and analysis service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations or its Member States.
Photo: Copyright IRIN
