Somalia: Dying to see a Match

Many following the World Cup may have, at one point or another, being ‘dying to see’ a certain match. Few, however, would ever consider the literal meaning of the phrase.

But on the night of Wednesday 16th June, in Somalia two were killed and dozens more arrested by fighters from the Hizbul Islam group, who claimed that the individuals violated a ban on watching World Cup matches on television.

Hizbul Islam and another group, al-Shabaab – who are widely seen as al-Qaeda’s proxies in the region – control large swaths of the country and much of the capital Mogadishu. Here, the groups enforce their own strict interpretation of Islam, routinely banning sport, music and dancing. They have declared the World cup un-Islamic, arguing that ‘it is a waste of money and time’ for the people, especially the youngsters who watch and are influenced by ‘mad men jumping up and down’.

For the moment, though, only those living in the area controlled by the Transitional Federal Government can watch the World Cup in relative security and enjoy the tournament in the streets.

Yet in this country, like the rest of Africa, football is still extremely popular among all groups. It is actually believed that it might play a role in uniting the country and in promoting peace in a nation devastated by war. Take, for example, the case of a number of former child soldiers that have been persuaded to swap their guns for football.

The threat of violence and death, however, is not preventing people from supporting the country’s national football team, the Ocean Stars. They continue to take part in local football games and find satellite dishes to follow the World Cup.

After all, despite civil war and violence, life goes on and people continue to look for a reason to cheer and this is what the World Cup is about – solidarity and support.