The Disturbing Truth Behind Somalia's Football Ground

On the pristine white sands of a Mogadishu beach, six imposing concrete posts stand as grim reminders of the somber events that occasionally unfold there. These posts, surrounded by the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean, serve as a macabre stage for executions carried out by the Somali security forces.

Every so often, individuals are brought to this beach by authorities, where they are bound to the posts, their heads covered with black hoods, and then executed by a specially trained firing squad. The bodies of the deceased are left upright, tethered to the poles, while their ragged clothing flutters in the ocean breeze. These executions, typically occurring between 6:00 and 7:00 in the morning, are often witnessed by local residents, including children.

The beach, chosen as an execution site in 1975 by former President Siad Barre, serves as a public spectacle where the condemned are put to death. Originally selected to intimidate opponents of a controversial family law, today the site remains a grim reminder of Somalia’s troubled history.

Despite the harrowing scenes that unfold on the beach, life continues in the nearby Hamar Jajab district. Families residing in the area, accustomed to the violence and insecurity that permeate Mogadishu, struggle to shield their children from the brutality that unfolds just steps away. Concerned for their safety, parents like Fartun Mohammed Ismail worry about the psychological impact of playing amidst the bloodstained sand.

However, despite the inherent risks, children from the neighborhood and beyond still flock to the beach, drawn by the allure of play and camaraderie. For them, the beach represents a central gathering place, oblivious to its dark history.

Yet, amidst the backdrop of violence and tragedy, voices of dissent emerge. Residents like Faduma Abdullahi Qasim, who lost her son in a devastating terrorist attack, speak out against the inhumanity of capital punishment, even for members of extremist groups like al-Shabab.

Despite differing perspectives, one thing remains clear: Mogadishu’s beach serves as both a playground and a poignant reminder of Somalia’s turbulent past and uncertain future. For the children who frolic on its shores, oblivious to the gravity of the nearby executions, the beach is simply a place of joy and escape from the hardships of daily life.