BORANA WOMEN NARRATE THEIR ORDEAL DURING THE SHIFTA WAR

Posted: June 16, 2011

The Borana community was forced into prostitution during the shifta war of the1960’s to the 1990s the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission heard yesterday.

  

Former Moyale Member of Parliament Guyo Halake who served in the 4th Parliament told the TJRC hearing in Moyale, that their women were forced to have sex with state security officers to ensure their men were not suspected or arrested for being part of the shifta militia and to earn money.

The small payment received from the security officers would be used to provide for their families who were economically challenged as the war escalated, Mr. Halake said pointing out that the government crippled the community economically as it tried to retrieve firearms allegedly in its possession.

“The government knew that livestock was our main source of livelihood yet the officers killed all the animals, leaving us economically vulnerable,” said Mr. Halake

Abdi Lafa from the smallest ethnic group in Moyale known as Saknye said they were victimized by the government.

“The government involved us in the shifta war because we were surrounded by two communities who were alleged to be part of the militia. In the process of flushing out shiftas we were subjected to constant abuse and forced to cross the border into Somalia ,” said Mr. Lafa.

He appealed to the government to ensure their protection so that the rest of the community could return from Somalia.

The Commission is hearings continue in Marsabit today and tomorrow.