Somaliland leading opposition party WADDANI has condemnded the government following what it terms as “brutal beatings and shootings of a peaceful demonstrators.”
In a statement signed by the party secretary of information Mr Mohamoud Adam Jama “Galaal” the government was criticized for use of live ammunition on demonstrators and arrest of opposition party leaders who were exercise their constitutional right to picket.
On Saturday, opposition leaders led peaceful demonstration in Somaliland capital Hargeisa only tobe attacked by security officers.
While the government has denied any wrong doing, the opposition say there was an attempt to kill and/or maim its leaders.
“We make reference to the Press Release issued by the Government of Somaliland on 11th June 2022 and categorically deny the government’s claim that it contacted the opposition parties with respect to the protest demonstrations of 9th June 2022 or for any other matter,” the WADDANI party said.
“We condemn the brutal beatings and shootings of a peaceful demonstrators. The government’s use of live ammunition on unarmed civilians and the illegal detention of opposition party members, opposition supporters and journalist are abhorrent and against the constitution.”
The party said that the use of such illegal and totalitarian measures continues to undermine the stability and social cohesion of the Republic of Somaliland.
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“Article 32 of our constitution guarantees citizens the right to protest and demonstrate. The government’s claim that it promotes constructive dialogue is deceptive, misleading, and untrue.”
They accused the government of lack of commitment to dialogue to unlock the impasse occasioned by the delay to set the process in place for the November presidential elections.
“Previous face-to-face meetings have failed due to the government’s bad faith. During such discussions, the government made it abundantly clear that it had no intention of reaching a political settlement or enforcing previous agreements,” said the opposition.
“The government mocked the dialogue, and it became abundantly clear that their sole goal was to waste time in order to postpone the presidential elections on November 13, 2022, and secure an extension of the president’s term.”
The government was also accused of pushing out members of the National Electoral Commission.
“The government consistently used coercive methods to secure the resignation of former members of the National Electoral Commission.”
The party now insists that the presidential elections must be held on November 13 as per the constitution and want local mediators to bring the government and opposition to the table to break the impasse.
“The WADDANI Party’s position unequivocally remains that no other ballot can proceed or predate the 13 November 2022 presidential elections.”
“To encourage a homemade solution, opposition parties have welcomed and given both their consent and mandate to the 31-member committee consisting of traditional elders, religious and business leaders to mediate the current political dispute.”
However, the party said, President Musa Bihi has yet to meet the mediating committee or give his consent or mandate.
The WADDANI Party at the same time insisted it will not engage in any form of dialogue with the government until those illegally detained are released. Failure to release those illegally detained as a result of 9th June 2022 protests will result in the swift resumption of peaceful nationwide demonstrations.
