Nairobi: Wajir County stakeholders have resolved to end the use of the traditional Somali arbitration system, 'Maslaha' in handling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, citing the need to uphold justice and protect victims' rights.
According to Kenya News Agency, the resolution was reached during a two-day forum organised by the Italian-based VolontariA Association in collaboration with DAWN and the Wajir County Government's Department of Peace Building and Cohesion. Speaking during the forum, Wajir County Director of Peace Building and Cohesion, Mr Adan Abdi Ahmed, emphasized the aim of ensuring that survivors of SGBV access justice through lawful institutions.
Mr Ahmed stated, 'The objective of this meeting is to address gender-based violence and the continued use of the Maslaha system. We want a lasting solution so that victims can get justice through the law.' He pointed out the rise in cases of sexual and gender-based violence in the county, noting that traditional settlements often undermine victims' dignity and rights.
Retired chief and community elder, Mr Abdi Shakur, urged leaders to fully hand over SGBV cases to law enforcement agencies and the courts, emphasizing that traditional arbitration should not be used in such serious cases. Wajir County Civil Society Consortium Chairperson, Ms Fatuma Yussuf, highlighted that clan influence has contributed to the mishandling of SGBV cases in the county.
Religious leaders at the forum also supported the resolution. Sheikh Noor called for the decisions to be widely shared with the public to enhance awareness and protection. SUPKEM Wajir Branch Deputy Vice Chairman, Sheikh Hassan Ahmed Hussein, stressed that religious teachings should not be used to shield perpetrators of sexual violence.
The forum brought together peace stakeholders, including elders, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, civil society organisations, security agencies, county officials, and development partners to address the rising number of SGBV cases in Wajir County.