MOGADISHU: Hundreds of Somali spectators cheered as they watched two teams of young women play football in a Mogadishu stadium — an unimaginable scene in the conservative, conflict-hit country just a few years ago.
Such events were heavily threatened until recently in Somalia’s capital by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group Al-Shabaab, which frowns on entertainment like football, especially when played by women.
But while Al-Shabaab still has a powerful grip behind the scenes in Mogadishu, the security situation has markedly improved.
zainumar133@gmail.com
