The first reports were that Aisha Ibrahim Kuhulow was 23 year old, but her father now confirms for Amnesty International that she was only 13.
The girl’s young age, combined with the fact that she herself contacted the Shabab-militia who controls the town, in order to report the rape, failed to protect her from being sentenced to death by the Islamists for breach of Islamic law in having sex outside of marriage.
This child suffered a terrible death as demanded by the armed opposition forces that control Kismayo, says David Copeman who is responsible for Amnesty’s Somalia-department, to the news office, AP.
Hole in the ground
Thousands of people witnessed the grotesque execution of Aisha at a football stadium in the port town of Kismayo on Monday.
The 13-year old was led in and forced into a hole in the ground. The hole was then filled so that only her head was showing. About 50 men then started to throw stones at her, according to Amensty’s information.
After a while, nurses were called to check whether Aisha was still alive. The think body was then brought out of the hold and examined. When it was established that she was still alive, she was again placed in the hole so that the stone-throwers could continue.
Shot
When some of the spectators tried to storm the stadium to save Aisha, the militia opened fire on the crowd, and a young boy was killed.
A spokesman for the Shabab-militia expressed regret for the boy’s death and assured that the soldiers who had opened fire would be punished.
However, it would seem that the men whom13-year old Aisha tried to report for rape have little to fear. None of them have been arrested.
Ravaged by violence
Somalia is one of the world’s poorest countries, and one of those most ravaged by violence. It has been without central authorities since the dictator, Mohamed Sia Barre was overthrown by warriors leaders in 1991.
The country’s eight million inhabitants have since lived under constant threats of further acts of violence and famine, and one in every four children dies before the age of five.
State institutions hardly exist, and a number of warrior leaders, tribal-leaders and militia groups fight for power.
New offensive
A coalition of Islamists conquered the capital, Mogadishu in 2006 and brought about a short period of peace in the town.
In December of the same year, the warrior leaders again moved in, supported by Ethopian invasion forces, which have since remained.
In recent months, the Islamists have again been on the offensive and gained control over Kismayo, among other places.
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