'You will be r*ped or killed' - When Somalian Basketball players faced challenge of lifetime

Safia Omer, one of the former Basketball players from Somalia, recalled the tough times the players had to face. In 1991, Somalia witnessed a civil war. The common people were in danger as there was violence all over. It caught the attention of the world and the Basketball players were no different to it. They had to stay out of the country to remain safe.

In a recent interview, Safia recalled how she and her teammates did not enter their country in the time of civil war. The Basketball players of Somalia were on the tour of Ethiopia. They were warned to not return home after the conclusion of the tournament. Safia and Co. were stranded in the airport for over 10 days and ended up seeking refuge in the USA.

Many Somalis did the same as they fled out of the country to escape the violence. Safia recalled what she had to go through in the difficult times. She revealed that the pilot told them to not return home as they could either get r*ped or killed. "The pilot told us, 'Don’t go back...either you will be raped or killed at the airport if you go back'," recalled Safia.

Basketball uniting Somalian refugees

To date, Somalia has been struggling with the violence. The country is filled with terrorists. A terror group named Al-Shabab has been preventing many citizens of the African country from returning home. However, there is a tradition among the Somalis. Every year, they gather in a place named Ashland in Oregon. The citizens of Somalia make an effort to enjoy their time together.

They share the hard stories of staying away from the country. Additionally, they play Basketball to enjoy their time together. The unique story came out after BCC interviewed one of the icons of Somalian Basketball. To date, many players from Somalia have been staying in the USA as refugees. Many wish to return to their country and see the end of violence and terrorism.