KISMAYU (SD)-The police in Kismayo have announced that they will imprison and fine any woman found wearing a burqa, due to concerns that Al-Shabaab may use such attire to blend in and carry out attacks.

The Kismayo police have conducted operations in the city’s neighborhoods to enforce a ban on wearing burqas, following previous orders to prevent the use of niqabs by women.

Warsame Axmed Geelle, the Police Commander of Kismayo District in the Lower Juba region, stated that the ban on burqas was implemented as of July 31, 2024, to enhance security in Kismayo.

This measure is part of broader efforts to combat Al-Shabaab, who are suspected of using the burqa to conceal their identities during attacks.