Two years on: The unsolved assassination of Amina Mohamed Abdi

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Two years on: The unsolved assassination of Amina Mohamed Abdi

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Today marks the solemn commemoration of the second anniversary of the tragic assassination of Amina Mohamed Abdi, a revered Somali woman politician whose life was cut short in a cowardly act of violence on

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Late MP Amina Mohamed Abdi during a parliamentary session in October 2019.

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Today marks the solemn commemoration of the second anniversary of the tragic assassination of Amina Mohamed Abdi, a revered Somali woman politician whose life was cut short in a cowardly act of violence on March 23, 2022, while she campaigned for re-election to a parliamentary seat in the central Somali town of Beledweyne.

Amina Mohamed Abdi’s journey from humble beginnings to political prominence served as an inspiration to many and it was far from ordinary. Born in 1981 into a marginalized, impoverished nomadic family, she navigated the challenges of her upbringing with resilience and determination.

Despite facing adversity, including the upheaval of the Somali Civil War, which left her family displaced, Amina pursued her education while simultaneously supporting her siblings.

On her own accounts, she once remembered how at age eight, upon returning home from school she found that her family gone amid the chaos of conflict in 1992, later finding refuge with her uncle, a member of the Somali parliament.

In 2012, at the age of 24, Amina boldly entered the political arena by standing for parliament, defying entrenched opposition from clan elders who sought to thwart her aspirations. Despite facing disparaging remarks and unfounded accusations, she persevered, triumphing over two opponents to claim a seat reserved for women, becoming one of Somalia’s youngest lawmakers.

Despite representing her marginalized community in the central region of Hiiraan, Amina remained steadfast in her commitment to the principles of opposition and accountability.

In a remarkable turn of events, Amina achieved another victory in the 2016 Somali parliamentary election, this time securing a seat through an open contest where both male and female candidates vied for representation.

Her success in breaking through barriers and challenging entrenched norms underscored her unwavering dedication to public service and her belief in the power of inclusivity and representation.

Fearless stance

In the face of threats and intimidation, Amina remained steadfast in her commitment to represent her marginalized community and advocate for justice.

Her fearless stance against corruption and her relentless pursuit of accountability for the disappearance of Ikran Takiil Farah at the hands of the Somalia spy agency made her a target for those threatened by her unwavering principles.

"I have the confidence, and if I can have that, I think I can do it,” Amina asserted courageously, just days before her untimely death, defying the ominous warnings that shadowed her campaign.

Assassination

Tragically, on that fateful day in 2022, an al-Shabaab suicide bomber targeted Amina and her bodyguards in Beledweyne, as she was campaigning for re-election, a move displeased the corrupt clan elders and male contestants. Amina was killed during the attack. When the casualties were taken to hospital, a second suicide car bomb exploded.

She was just 40 years old. The attacks also killed 47 more people and injured 105, according to local media.

Despite the magnitude of the tragedy and the glaring questions surrounding the assailant’s motives and methods, justice remains elusive, and investigations into Amina’s assassination have yet to yield meaningful results.

The absence of a thorough investigation into Amina’s murder has fueled speculation and deepened the sense of injustice among her supporters and the Somali populace at large. Key questions persist, casting a shadow of doubt over the circumstances surrounding her assassination.

Why was Amina specifically targeted by the al-Shabaab bomber, amidst a gathering that included high-ranking officials and dignitaries? How did the assailant bypass security checkpoints undetected, wearing government military uniform? Who facilitated the assailant’s access to Amina’s location, and why have those responsible for these security lapses not been held to account?

Two years have passed since Amina’s tragic death, yet the quest for justice remains unfulfilled. The failure to pursue a thorough investigation only serves to perpetuate the climate of impunity and embolden those who seek to silence voices of dissent.

As the Somali nation reflects on the legacy of Amina Mohamed Abdi, her unwavering courage, and her commitment to justice, the unresolved questions surrounding her assassination stand as a stark reminder of the challenges that continue to plague the quest for accountability and transparency in Somalia’s political landscape.

Until those responsible are brought to justice, Amina’s memory will endure as a symbol of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity.