GAROWE (Kaab TV) – Puntland State of Somalia has reversed its controversial decision to ban women from attending football matches as fans, officials in Garowe announced on Monday.
The original ban, first reported by Kaab TV, was issued by the Minister of Sports and Youth, Hodan Said Hassan.
The minister cited security concerns following violence during a recent match between fans of the Mudug and Nugal teams as the primary reason for the ban.
“We are sorry and apologize for not being able to control the female fans. The girls are a huge burden on us. On Tuesday, December 31, we want to ban all women from the stadium and have them stay at home to watch the game,” Minister Hodan stated during a press briefing on Sunday.
However, the decision faced widespread public backlash and condemnation from human rights groups, ultimately forcing a reversal. Critics called the decision discriminatory and likened it to the restrictive policies of Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers.
“Puntland Human Rights Committee engaged with the Deputy President, and the decision was reversed,” said Mohamed Hassan, an online activist from Puntland.
Former Somali Minister of Health, Dr. Fawziya Abikar, also criticized the initial ban, calling it “unfair” and questioning its justification.
“Security concerns? So women cannot go? Is this a collective punishment for women fans? This is not fair,” she remarked.
On Monday, the Governor of Nugal, Abdirahman Haji Abshir, confirmed that women would be allowed to attend Tuesday’s football matches.
Governor Abshir emphasized that women should not be blamed for any violent incidents and reaffirmed their right to participate as fans.
Minister Hodan also announced the reversal during another press briefing, explaining that the decision was made following an order from the President of Puntland.
“Following the ban on women yesterday, I want to state that, by the order of the President of Puntland, women are now allowed to attend the football match on Tuesday,” she said.
The Deputy Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Aidid Ahmed Nur, reiterated that women have the right to attend matches and warned against violence or incitement based on clan affiliations.
“Anyone who commits a crime will bear full responsibility and will be dealt with accordingly,” General Aidid stated.
Puntland, a semi-autonomous state in northeastern Somalia, is hosting its regional football tournament, which began on December 10.
The tournament features nine regional teams and has sparked intense rivalry among fans, occasionally leading to violent clashes.
The final game of the regional tournament, set to take place on Tuesday, will see the Nugal team face off against the Bari team in what promises to be a highly anticipated and intense match.
In the last match on Friday, Nugal, representing the capital Garowe, defeated Mudug with a close 3-2 victory.
The tensions between fans were highlighted as exchanges of clannism-related comments sometimes escalated into violence.
Tuesday’s match is expected to proceed with heightened security measures and renewed efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure peaceful participation by all fans.