Q: I am sorry about what happened but it is important to let other people know about the atrocities being committed by the al-Shabaab. Can you tell me how the incident happened when your husband was slaughtered?
It was on Friday mid-night when armed al-Shabaab men invaded our house and started frightening us. My husband was asleep at the time. So they woke him up and thereafter started to harass him when he refused to follow them. They blindfolded him and tortured him thoroughly.
As they were leaving the house, I tried to follow them but they threatened me that they would shoot me. So, I was left behind.
Five days later I overheard some IDPs saying they had seen a mutilated body of an unidentified man lying on the street and when I reached at the scene I found that the deceased was actually my husband. He had been strangled and butchered by the Islamist fighters.
Amina could not control her emotions as she narrated this sad story. She trembled and cried, as tears of sorrow rolled down her cheeks over the brutal killing of her beloved husband.
Q: Amina can you tell me why al-Shabaab would do this to your husband? What was his job?
My husband was a porter and he used to carry people's luggage from one place to the other.
He told me countless times that he got threats from the al-Shabaab fighters accusing him of delivering food and other equipment to the TFG and ASWJ troops but he never took it seriously.
Q: Did your husband have any links with TFG or ASWJ?
No. My husband neither had links with the TFG nor ASWJ in the region but he used to support TFG and their operation in the region aimed at wiping out al-Shabaab in Gedo Region. He was always against the ideology of al-Shabaab that is based on merciless killing, abducting, torturing and violating the rights of innocent civilians. I believe the accusations against him were baseless.
Q: Who now takes care of your children if your husband was killed?
I am now the sole breadwinner of my three children and sometimes I am unable to get them food to eat. There is no work here in the camp because all the people are IDPs who get assistance from the local NGOs and other humanitarian organizations.
Since there is no work, I beg for food from well-wishers, those who are better off living in the nearby villages.
Q: Have your children reached the age of going to school?
No. My children are pretty young to go to school.
Q: What conditions do you live in and how are your children?
You can imagine a mother with three children whose husband was brutally murdered by the al-Shabaab. Our situation deteriorates day after day and we are faced with a lot of challenges, including lack of food, clothing, shelter and even healthcare. If I could get money I would go to Kenya where I believe I and my children will get assistance and our rights will be protected because the refugees there live in better conditions but I do not have the money to go.
Q: What do you think would be appropriate way to deal with the al-Shabaab menace?
I believe it is important for the al-Shabaab group to be eradicated from the Somalia because they are violating the rights of innocent people and forcing people to follow their ideology which is totally against the Islamic faith.
Q: Finally, what do you remember about your husband?
Amina kept silent for some minutes and tears suddenly gushed from her eyes. Then she said: My husband was generous, humble and obedient, hardworking and my advisor. To tell you the truth I've been having nightmares especially at night when I remember my husband. I feel I am now very vulnerable.