Opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) now says nothing will stop their push to have the presidential elections in November 13 as planned.
The Wadani party presidential candidate said the threats by the government to fight any demonstrations will now cow them into submission.
Reacting to a statement by the Somaliland police chief warning pro-democracy lieutenants against any demonstrations, Abdullahi said the street protests will go on as planned.
“Demonstration and freedom of public expression is a constitutional right, and it will happen and no one has the right to oppose it, and the planning and preparation for a peaceful rally is going on. Security agencies have a duty in protect the rights of citizens, including the right to freedom demonstrate,” said Abdirahman Irro.
He further warned the security especially the police and the armed forces from taking sides in the current political impasse between the opposition and the government.
“I would like to warn the armed forces not to get involved in the ongoing political disputes in the country.” Irro said at a presser today “The perpetrators will be punished and held accountable, and neither the public nor the law will forgive them. On November 13 2022, there will be a change of leadership led by public.”
On Wednesday, Somaliland police have vowed to crash any pro-democracy demonstrations planned by the opposition to push the government to hold presidential elections.
Somaliland Police Chief Mohamed Aden Saqadhi Dabagale said unless authorized by the government, no demonstrations will be allowed to take place anywhere in Somaliland.
While addressing police officers in Hargeisa, Dabagale said: “There will be no protest, stay in your homes. We will crack down on those who take part in the protests.”
“From now on, we will put our forces on high alert and prepare for any incident that could lead to violence in the country.”
But the Wadani and UCID parties insist they will carry on with the plans to hold the demonstrations with or without the government consent.
The opposition parties have accused president Musa Bihi of attempting to extend his term in office.
The opposition parties said their planned demonstrations was to salvage the country and save the democratic process.
