Somali Elder Returns Fuel Taken During 1991 Government Collapse
Mogadishu (AX) — A Somali elder, Mumin Fidow Rooble, now in his late seventies, restored 50 liters of fuel to local officials. During the 1991 downfall of Somalia’s central authority, he had taken the fuel. Residing today in the Mahas district of the Hiiraan region, Mumin said he turned to religious guidance before rectifying his past actions.
In the chaotic overthrow of Mohamed Siad Barre’s regime, Mumin acquired the gasoline from the Afisyooni military base in Mogadishu. He believed the looting was justified at the time. “I took 50 liters of fuel, paying 600 Somali shillings. It felt right then, but it was theft,” Mumin shared with the BBC.
The stolen fuel aided Mumin’s family in acquiring food. However, upon realizing the gravity of his deed, he consulted Islamic scholars. They advised him to return what he had taken to make amends.
“When I understood it was sinful, I studied Islamic law and learned that the fuel was public property. My duty was to return it,” Mumin declared, explaining that he returned the gasoline in a public ceremony to ease his conscience.
He also encouraged others who looted during the lawless years post-1991 to correct their wrongdoings. “Everyone must amend their mistakes. In the afterlife, we’ll all be questioned about our actions,” he stated.
The 1991 collapse of Somalia’s central government led to rampant lawlessness, with various factions claiming control over regions. The military regime of Mohamed Siad Barre fell after years of abuses and internal power conflicts. As a result, Somalia descended into civil war, creating famine, displacement, and massive deaths.
Numerous peace conferences aimed at reconciling warring groups mostly failed to yield lasting solutions. In 2000, the Carta conference in Djibouti resulted in the election of Abdiqasim Salad Hassan as a transitional president, initiating Somalia’s arduous journey to reconstructing its government. A significant peace agreement in Kenya in 2004 further established Somalia’s federal system.
With files from the BBC
