Monday January 2, 2023
Hargeisa (HOL) - The Somaliland House of Representatives Speaker, Abdirisaaq Khalif Ahmed, stated that government incompetence played a significant role in the uprisings in Las Anod.
Ahmed said the remarks of Somaliland government leaders and the conduct of security personnel exacerbated the volatile situation. Eight people have died in the protest violence, according to Ahmed. Authorities have blocked internet access and cut off electricity for many hours, which he called a human rights violation.
He emphasized that the Somaliland government is responsible for Las Anod's security and that the intelligence and police services should deal with the deaths there.
"The president and his administration, as well as the security divisions of their government—the ministry of internal affairs, the command of the police force, and intelligence—are responsible for the safety and security of residents," said Ahmed.
Ahmed said that he advised the Somaliland president to consult with loacls and to allow greater participation in security matters.
At least
20 people have been killed in Las Anod, a town in Somaliland's east disputed between breakaway Somaliland and Puntland, after clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces over several days.
The protests began on Tuesday in response to the local administration's failure to deal with assassinations after Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi Hadrawi, a Wadani Party official, was shot dead on Monday evening after returning from the mosque.
Ahmed's condemnation comes a day after international partners called for de-escalation.
"Preventing violence and ensuring the protection of civilians is paramount. We call for calm and restraint. Tensions must be resolved through de-escalation and dialogue."
The statement was signed by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, League of Arab States (LAS), Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Sudan, Sweden, Türkiye, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States and United Nations.