NationStates Jolt Archive


A radical decree: President Siad Barre announces "Men and women are henceforth equal"

United Somali Republic
17-02-2006, 17:47
Mogadishu, Somalia

Although economically and politically a very radical and leftist-oriented nation, culturally and socially the United Somali Republic was quite conservative. This was not surprising, as over 99% of the population was Sunni Muslim, and most of them followed their religion very faithfully. This was a country where for many years "female genital mutilation" had been compulsory for all females, where women were required by law to dress conservatively, and where in general, be it in education, job, or other situations, women were held to be less equal than men.

In a move that caught the entire nation off guard, President Hussein Siad Barre announced, via presidential decree, that "Men and women are henceforth equal."

This has caused shockwaves of outrage to ripple through the community, and for days now riots had devastated Mogadishu. Angry mobs burned buildings and cars, tore down posters of President Siad Barre, and looted and beat police men and government workers.

Women have taken this decree with a grain of salt, believing that President Siad Barre's words would not translate into actions, and that they would still be treated as less than equal. They noted, for example, that the infibulation laws were untouched, and virtually nothing had been done by the President to reflect his decree.

Whether he meant it or not, it was controversial. Muslim scholars denounced the President and issued a fatwah. To which he responded by beheading the scholars, declaring martial law, and using Soviet and Chinese armor and tanks to kill on sight rioters.
Rolatia
17-02-2006, 17:52
Rolatian response
We are deeply worried by these actions. The Rolatian embassy in the USR has been defended with the 32nd Artillery Division Squads 1 and 2 and the 78th Special Services Division Squads 1 and 2. In addition, we are prepared to deploy peace-keeping troops to the nation - please respond if you are interested.
United Somali Republic
17-02-2006, 18:16
Official Presidential Statement

While we of the United Somali Republic are grateful and flattered by your generous offer, we respectfully decline, as outside aid is unnecessary. Our armed forces have successfully smashed the uprising.
Aequatio
17-02-2006, 18:25
While we of the Aequatian Republic applaud the position taken by your government, we feel that the situation that may be developing could potentially destabilize your nation and threaten the safety of your citizenry. Although we cannot preemptively act, we shall continue to monitor your nation and the situation.

General Arnold Saltzman,
Aequatian Head of State.
United Somali Republic
17-02-2006, 18:45
Official Presidential Statement

General Arnold Saltzman, your input and concerns are duly noted and fully appreciated. We will alert you to any deterioration of the situation.