(25 Mar 2025) GAROWE (Halqabsi News) – A highly sensitive case involving the reported forced marriage of a young girl in the town of Carmo, Bari region, has sparked national outrage and prompted intervention from Puntland’s judiciary and human rights office.
The girl, identified as Faadumo Xiddig, was allegedly married off to an elderly man without her consent. Her uncle, Saciid Abshir Maxamuud, publicly raised alarm on social media, claiming Faadumo is just 8 years old and was taken in by the man after her mother’s death.
“We are urging law enforcement, the judiciary, and Puntland’s Human Rights Office to act immediately. This child has been unlawfully taken and is being held by an older man in Carmo,” Saciid said in a widely circulated audio message. “He locked himself and the child inside the house when police tried to intervene.”
In a controversial response, the girl’s father defended the marriage, asserting that Faadumo is 12 years old and that the arrangement was made to “protect” her. “I didn’t want her roaming around. I gave her in marriage to this man to educate her and wait until her menstrual cycle begins before consummating the marriage,” he said.
The father’s comments have fuelled further criticism, with rights activists condemning the justification of marrying off a child, regardless of age. Puntland’s legal and human rights institutions have now taken over the case, pledging a full investigation. “This case will be reviewed thoroughly under Puntland’s laws protecting children’s rights,” a justice official told Halqabsi News.
The case has ignited widespread debate across Somali social media, with calls for stronger legal safeguards against child marriage and tougher enforcement mechanisms.
Halqabsi News
