Video posted of sexual assault sparks outrage in Somalia

HARGEISA, Somalia – A video showing four men sexually assaulting a young woman has sparked outrage across Somalia.

Footage posted on social media shows the woman screaming and trying to resist as the men take turns raping her. The men are believed to have recorded the assault with a smartphone.

Local women’s rights activist Sadiya Ahmed said the woman is about 16 years old.

“How authorities deal with this horrible act will test their commitments in protecting rights of victims of sexual violence and women’s rights,” Ahmed, who is based in Garowe, the provincial capital of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, said by phone.

The attack happened in Goldogob, a town in Puntland. It was not clear when it happened.

Brendan Wynne, a spokesman for international women’s group Donor Direct Action, said the victim is getting counselling for trauma. The organization is supporting a local group helping the victim,

Three of the alleged attackers have reportedly been arrested by security forces in Puntland.

Somalis on social media are urging authorities to bring perpetrators of the attack to justice. Rape suspects often avoid prosecutions in this Horn of Africa nation, where the justice system remains weak.

Traditional elders often try to settle rape cases through talks among elders representing the perpetrator and the victim, but local activists want the suspects to face trial under a tough new law against sex crimes.

Under the new law, those found guilty of rape can be jailed for up to 10 years without the option of a fine.

Somalia is trying to build a functional government after years of lawlessness and an insurgency by Islamic extremists.