Worries About War During Eid

With rising insecurity, famine and a Kenyan military incursion, Somalis have little chance of celebrating Eid. The Kenyan military last week announced plans to carry out air strikes in nine towns, including Afgooye. Here, 40 year old Fatima,* a farmer from Afgooye relays her fears of celebrating Eid in a city on the brink of war.

“Eid is supposed to be a happy day, but this year people aren’t celebrating because they are concerned and tense about the expected attacks. Last year, people celebrated by praying together in a huge congregation and slaughtering a goat. In the afternoon, there was traditional dancing, and I remember there were happy and smiling faces everywhere. But this Eid, everyone looks worried. People didn’t take part in the traditional Eid prayer because they’re afraid of the attacks. People used to congratulate each other and wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak,’ but today people just ask each other about the fighting. The only sign that it’s Eid is that my children are wearing new dresses. I’m scared about celebrating because I know that the air strikes may happen at any moment.

“I’ve lived in Afgooye all my life but I’ve never witnessed any air attacks by Kenya before. It’s horrible to live in a city under siege. Everyone here is really panicking, especially the women with children. I have seven children but I don’t have any money to leave or anywhere to go if something happens. My only option is to go on foot but my children are too young to walk. I feel so sad and disappointed that this is happening. My biggest fear is the shelling – everyone is asking the same question: If we survive then what will happen next? The current drought and conflict has already affected us terribly. I don’t care about the reasons for the offensive. There’s a saying that when two elephants fight the grass always suffers. I’m just trying to comfort my children at night and find enough food to eat. We are praying to Allah to save our souls. I can’t forecast what will happen next but I do know that al-shabab will carry on fighting. I see a prolonged war and dark future ahead.”

*Not her real name