Elderly Somali Man Cabdirasaaq Faqi Moved to Tears Over New Child Marriage Law Debate [VIDEO]

A video circulating online has shown Cabdirasaaq Faqi, an elderly Somali man, emotionally reacting to Somalia’s recent decision to ratify the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) — a move that has sparked widespread discussion across the country.

The footage, which gained significant attention on Somali social media platforms, shows Faqi visibly crying while expressing his distress over what he perceives as the implications of the new law. Many online commentators have described his reaction as a reflection of the deep cultural and religious debates currently taking place in Somalia following the ratification.

On October 1, 2025, Somalia’s House of the People (Lower House of Parliament) voted to ratify the African Charter, with 130 members in favor, 10 against, and 5 abstaining. The decision made Somalia the 52nd African Union member state to adopt the treaty, which seeks to protect children’s rights across the continent — including safeguards against abuse, child labor, and underage marriage, as well as provisions for access to education and healthcare.

The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, first adopted in 1990 by the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union), serves as a cornerstone for promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children across Africa.

While the ratification was hailed internationally as a significant step toward strengthening child protection laws in Somalia, it has also ignited debate among religious scholars, lawmakers, and citizens who argue about its compatibility with Islamic law (Sharia) and the Somali Constitution.

In response to the growing public reaction, Somali officials clarified that the country’s commitment to the Charter would be implemented in a way that aligns with both Islamic principles and national legal frameworks. The government emphasized that the ratification does not override religious or constitutional boundaries but rather aims to enhance existing protections for children in accordance with Somali values.

Despite these reassurances, videos like the one featuring Cabdirasaaq Faqi highlight the emotional and cultural sensitivity surrounding the topic. His tearful reaction has become symbolic of the broader national dialogue on how Somalia can reconcile international human rights standards with local traditions and faith-based laws.

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♬ original sound - Cabdirasaaq faqi