A high level Somaliland Delegation led by the minister of foreign affairs and international relations Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar has today met separately with the U.A.E minister of State for Foreign affairs Dr. Anwar Mohamed Gargash and Assistant Foreign *Minister* for Security and Military Affairs Faris Al-Mazroui.
The Somaliland delegation which consisted of three cabinet ministers namely Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar minister for foreign affairs, Hon Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan the minister of Presidency, Minister of Water, Energy and Water Hon Hussein Abdi Duale and the director general of Berbera port Eng. Ali Omar Mohamed (Ali Hor Hor) discussed ways to strengthen the existing cordial relations between the two countries.
The representatives of both countries discussed ways of strengthening of trade and military cooperation including the issue of expansion and upgrading of the facilities at the Berbera port by the Dubai Ports Authority a subsidiary of the Dubai world.
Somaliland Official assured their UAE counterparts that Somaliland is open for business and that any UAE national official who wants to invest in the country is welcomed to do so.
The UAE and Somaliland have developed close cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, the fight against piracy and regional affairs.
MOGADISHU, Somalia, January 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ —
Dahabshiil Group has donated $200,000 to help reconstruct the mental health unit of Forlanini Hospital, in Mogadishu.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Dahabshiil Group will finance renovation works in the Mogadishu-based hospital, including provisions for an electric generator, water-reservoir tanks, an annex room for emergencies, two wards and administration and service blocks.
Dahabshiil CEO, Abdirashid Duale said: “We are delighted to make this donation to Forlanini Hospital. We’ve put together a facility that’s going to ensure patients are tended to in a spacious and conducive environment that will contribute to their treatment and well-being.
“The Hospital offers crucial services for its patients, so we are proud to make a contribution to help improve the delivery of its services.”
Forlanini Hospital, formerly known as the Laansareeti Hospital before the civil war, was historically a state-of-the-art facility and home to some of the country’s top medical professionals. As the country descended into war, the health sector and its infrastructure were completely destroyed. The mental health unit that once served patients from all regions of Somalia is currently an empty shell.
In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was difficult to get a clear picture of just how widespread mental health issues in Somalia were, describing data collection as “patchy”. The situation is worsened by the cultural belief that mental illness is caused by the ‘jinn’ and the ‘evil eye’, and is treated by traditional healers. People with mental health issues are often stigmatised, discriminated against and socially isolated. As such, Dahabshiil chose the Forlanini mental health clinic due to the important services it offers to mental health patients in Mogadishu and the surrounding areas.
Dr Yussuf Abdi Samow , Deputy Director of Forlanini Hospital, said:
“The newly completed wing of Foralanini Hospital will significantly improve the care and well-being of our patients. Dahabshiil’s contribution will hopefully serve as an example for businesses and the international community.”
Dahabshiil Group is renowned for committing millions of US dollars into its CSR programmes all over the world. The Group is proud to be one of the biggest investors from the private sector supporting hospitals and health centres in the Somali territories and beyond. Dahabshiil helps develop infrastructure while at the same time providing financial support, equipment and drugs. Health institutions that the Group has supported over the years include Las Anod Hospital, Bossasso Hospital, Hargeisa and Burao Hospitals and Mogadishu’s Kaysenay Hospital. All of these institutions are well known for their healthcare provisions.
Dahabshiil has been in business for over 40 years. Today, Dahabshiil is present in 150 countries and is the one of the largest private sector employer in the Horn of Africa. With offices in London and Dubai, Dahabshiil provides services to some of the world’s leading humanitarian and development organisations, including the United Nations, Oxfam, the Department for International Development, Development Alternative Inc. and Save the Children.
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Jubbaland Diaspora Association urges the international community for now to facilitate more political dialogue among different Somali groups rather than to lift the arms embargo, which will be a recipe for disaster in Somalia currently.
The country is reeling with terrorism, piracy and human rights violation across the board, further more; the Somali national army is not unified and thus reflects as it is now clan composition given the reconciliation process in limbo.
The Jubbaland Diaspora Association appeals to the international community and US government to be careful not to ignite another deadly civil war in Somalia by arming a faction under the auspices of Federal government which is still in process. This will only put life back again into terrorist groups, and warlords now on the run and yet still active and deadly in Somalia.
Somalia is still in divisive political deadlock and current government is yet to take steps of reconciliation to narrow the gap in accordance of the federal constitution unanimously adopted by the parliament.
The Local Council Elections that were held in Somaliland on 28th November 2012 left behind bitterness, bloodshed and deep divisions between the clans as well as moments of joy and celebration. Although the election started in a festive mood, its aftermath proved the fears of observers about the irreparable fissions that such unfettered democracy and flawed electoral system could bring to a tribal society like Somaliland. And on top of this comes the lack of independent judiciary that could handle disputes with fairness and the government’s rejection to abide by the rules it put in place.
In the following paragraphs therefore I will try to highlight the election’s twists and turns and its good, bad and ugly stories.
The Good:
One of the good things about the election was its beautiful festivals and the joyful mood that prevailed during the campaign. It was beautiful to watch an isolated and internationally unrecognized state holding its 2nd municipal election, the first one was in 2002, and the 4th nationwide election since 2003. Parliamentary elections were held in 2005 and presidential elections in 2003 and 2010. And despite its glaring flaws, the local council election was another undeniable landmark in Somaliland’s quest for democratic transformation.
It was a joy to watch the people exercising their democratic rights like any country in the world in party campaign forums. The youth and women have filled the campaign rallies to unmistakably show that they are the real force and game changers in the country. The youth have temporarily forgotten their unemployment status and used their positive energy in a constructive way despite the tribal undercurrents that denied them to achieve their full potential.
The long queues of the voting day, a symbol of democracy, peace and refinement, were admirable. It is always reassuring and heartening to see African people going to the polls and not to trenches to fight their case, to cast a vote and not carry a gun to settle disputes, to peacefully play by the rules of the game no matter how flawed they are and not resort to my-law-in-my-hand tribal fashion.
One whole month of festivities from 29th October to a long day of civilized voting on 28th November was enough to show the world that Somali people can be good, law-abiding citizens as any people in the world and that they are not always unruly, chaotic and warrior nomads as the world media loves to portray them.
The fact that several women were among the elected councils was also another promising development that showed the society’s changing attitude, albeit timidly, towards the role of women.
The Bad:
In a tribal nomadic society where people are divided on clan loyalties, the opening of the door for multiparty system has shown its devastating effect. In mature democracies, political parties run and campaign on ideological and political platforms. They have strategies to follow and political objectives to achieve. They try to win the support of the voters on their political, economical and cultural merits. Yes, political divisions could be rife and deep but they are based on economic and political interest rather than narrow and primitive ancestral bonds and blood ties. But in Somaliland like elsewhere in Africa, the political parties have no agenda, no strategies and no real and tangible objectives. It was boring to listen to party speakers repeating old platitudes and burnt out ideas. Their vital selling points were their clan identities and it was unfortunate to see all that exercise, mobilization and festival moods swallowed up by the tribal vortex. It was not difficult to see who voted for whom when the results came out. They showed how Somaliland politics rests purely on tribal crutches.
The Ugly
The ugly episode of the election was the government’s high handedness in dealing with the people’s complaints after the results were announced. It is natural for the losing parties or candidates in any election to feel cheated and demand for justice. In advanced countries such complaints go to the election commission which plays a neutral role. If the complainants don’t find the election commission’s decisions convincing, they go to the courts. In Somaliland, there is a general feeling that neither the election commission nor the justice system is free from government control. People therefore revert to the only tested institution they know and that works for them – the clan. Some parties and candidates therefore showed their grievances and complaints through clan protests and rallies.
However, instead of handling the issue with tolerance and understanding, the government resorted to the use of force. Untrained and uncontrolled police force acting like clan militia used live ammunition on peaceful protestors, killing about ten young people and wounding many others in Hargeisa, Borama, Lughya and Zeila.
Even worse than the cold blooded shooting, was the government’s lack of sympathy for the families of the victims and their indifference to the loss of human life. It took Silanyo almost one week to make a statement on the killing of five young protestors in Hargeisa and when he finally did he made it weak and remorseless which only added insult to injury. It was equally ugly and despicable to see the powerful cabinet minister Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan boasting in an interview to one of the websites that the government has paid the blood money to the families of the victims. Just like that, with no emotion, no regret, no remorse, and no promise of investigation and punitive action against the rogue police force. But at least here a statement was made, but the president has failed abysmally by not uttering a word about those killed by his policemen in Borama, Lughaya and Zeila.
In an episode reminiscent of dictatorial regimes, I watched the video of policemen shooting live ammunition indiscriminately at peaceful youth demonstrators in Borama. At one time, a policeman was strolling in the street with the gun in his hand after finishing his shooting business. He was threatening and swearing loudly, calling his victims as Waar laaya,Eeyda, eaydu dhashay which literally means “Kill them…the dogs sired by dogs.” Bywatching this, one couldn’t help but remember the ugly tribal militia brutalities that we saw elsewhere in Africa.
In the historical city of Zeila, the police have disbanded a group of peaceful squatters in the town’s local council building by force; killing at least one person and wounding others.
With all these crimes taking place, President Silanyo did not send a single message of condolence to the families of victims let alone apprehend the police individuals whose faces and criminal acts were watched by thousands on Youtube. But in an apparent act of defiance and a show of support and approval for his police force, Silanyo was quick to express sadness and send deep hearted condolences when several policemen were killed in a car accident. While on the contrary, the President did not think the life of a young girl who was run over by the police when they were departing Borama was worth his sympathy.
The government’s unnecessary interference in the election of municipality mayors in major towns was to reignite bitter clan rivalries. The government tried to arm-twist council members in Erigavo, Buroa, Berbera and Zeila through monetary bribes and otherwise to get their favorite candidates elected as mayors. This was a provocative tactic aimed at inciting people to take arms and fight in an illusionary war.
The government used Berbera and Zeila as testing grounds for its divide and rule policy. But it was fortunate to see the communities of these two areas act more wisely than the government and abort the government’s plans of pushing them into an internecine civil war. The communities in these two coastal towns who live in the most inhospitable areas in the region do not need to kill each other for the greed of opportunistic politicians but instead they need help to secure the basic subsistence of living such as water for human consumption and for their dwindling herds.
As a foreign friend who frequently visits Somaliand wrote to me recently “the people seem resigned to be stuck with bad politicians, though they deserve better, and get on with their own lives as best as they can.” Unfortunately the Silnayo government did not stop only at being a bad government but has also become a brutal one true to the Somali saying” Indha la’aantii, dad cunimo ayey ku darsatay”. And the tragedy is that there is no formidable political opposition as Silanyo seems to have succeeded in breaking the will of all potential political opponents by opening government coffers and silencing them with cash. It is only the lonely but courageous voice of Faisal Ali Waraabe and UCID party that still stands between Silnayo and his ambition to create a dynasty in Somaliland.
The way out:
Disappointed with the poor performance of Silanyo, the much touted UK educated leader, former SNM veteran and one of the longest serving ministers of Siyad Barre; the people of Somaliland are desperate for a bail out from their current economic and political wilderness.
Many of them view the much anticipated Somalia-Somaliland talks as a Godsend exit strategy. The way Somalilanders swarm around Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam, Somalia’s Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister, wherever she goes indicates how much hope they attach on her as their potential life line. We saw this during Fawzia’s recent visit to the UK and we saw it again when she made a stopover in Berbera airport en route to Mogadishu. Anyone who was anybody in Hargeisa came to visit her. No one even remembered the accusation of national treason that the government leveled against her when she accepted to serve in the cabinet of the new Somali government. Some of them including Somaliland’s Foreign Minister and Speaker of the House of Elders even went further, threatening her that she would be imprisoned if she ever returned to Somaliland. But on the contrary it was Silanyo’s government itself that was beleaguered by Fawzia’s presence at its airport.
Given to all foregoing factors and finding itself to be more divided than any time before, Somaliland needs a new direction to regain its vitality and the trust of its people. And the way of change is clear. It is to negotiate with the Somali government from a position of strength with clear strategy and tangible objectives. But in order to do that Somaliland first has to hold an inter-clan reconciliation dialogue similar to the one held in Borama in 1993. It is only through a united voice from Zeila to Taleh that Somaliland can legitimately sit as an equal with their partners in Mogadishu.
It’s not often that our grantees feature on national TV, but that’s what happened at the official opening ceremony of RLabs Somaliland in Borama. Last year, we awarded RLabs a grant of £11,100 towards the cost of establishing a tech hub in the de facto independent state of Somaliland. When the grant was awarded, RLabs Somaliland was little more than an idea aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship, tackling unemployment and promoting tech skills.
Since then, RLabs Somaliland have made impressive progress. Not only have they sourced the software and hardware necessary for the running of the lab, they have also found a suitable and accessible space in the city of Borama. Most excitingly, however, the lab now has a manager and two trainers to ensure that they can actually deliver the training courses that are so desperately needed by Somaliland’s youth. Although the centre has only been open for a few weeks now, it’s already proving popular and the team hope to be able to offer more services in the coming weeks.
Despite the progress that the Somaliland team have made, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Negotiating ways around astronomical electricity bills, expensive commercial software licences and finding an appropriate site for the lab were just some of the difficulties that the team faced. Fortunately, however, when it comes to talent, Somaliland seems to have it in bucketloads. 100 people with IT or management degrees applied to work at the lab – there’s clearly no shortage of talent in Somaliland and we’re hopeful that RLabs will be able to open up and develop some of the entrpreneurial spirit there.
We, in Kayd Somali Art and Culture, Redsea –online Culture Foundation and the Poetry Translation Centre take pride and pleasure to announce the publication for the first time of selected poems of the Somali master of wordsmith, Maxamed Ibraahim Warsame HADRAAWI along with their English translations. Hadraawi has been recently awarded the prestigious Prince Claus Award for his immense contribution in creating brilliant meaningful poetry over the past 40 years.
The presentation ceremony of the award by His Excellency Joost Reintjes, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands will be towards the end of February 2013. Our publication of Hadraawi’s work is primarily meant to register our acknowledgement and appreciation of his magnificent role in the promotion of Somali arts and culture. We nonetheless wish to highlight this felicitous occasion.
In this modest publication we have selected only eight of his huge literary treasure trove:
Hal La Qalay .. (The Killing of the She-camel)
Hooyooy La’aantaa.. (Mother’s Love)
Dhigaalka Far Soomaalida.. ( adoption of written script for my language)
Cajabey, Cajabey..( A love beyond compare)
Sirta Nolosha..(Life’s Essence)
Daalacan..(Clarity)
Bulsho.. (My people)
Jacayl Dhiig Ma Lagu Qoray.. (Has Love Been Ever Written in Blood !
In honouring Hadraawi this is what the august Prince Claus Award Committee has said: He is honoured for “creating proud and beautiful poems that enrich and expand the centuries-old oral poetry tradition that is central to contemporary Somali culture and identity, for sustaining shared historical awareness and include discourse in divisive times, for his lifelong commitment to community development and social justice, and for building bridges, providing inspiration and promoting peace.”
Introduction to the book is by Rashid Sheikh Abdillahi (Gadhweyne), the English literal translations are by Mohamed Hassan ‘Alto’, and Said Jama Hussein. The English translations are by Dr. Martin Orwin, and the eminent poet W.N Herbert.
We finally wish to express our heartfelt congratulations to our great poet Hadraawi and our sincere gratitude to the Prince Claus Committee for its laudable service to our culture. For the fans and lovers of Hadraawi’s art, we conclude ‘ENJOY THE DAY’.
About the poet: Mahamed Ibrahim Warsame ‘Hadraawi’
Hadraawi is one of the most valued Somali poets and philosophers; he is often hailed as the most influential Somali artist of his time. His early work concerned love, and his songs were sung by some of the greatest Somali singers. As the political climate changed, so did his focus; his work began to address more social and political issues. He campaigned for the alleviation of social ills through his work under great pressure. To this day, Hadraawi continues to challenge social injustices.
Hadraawi was born into a nomadic family in Togdheer region of Somaliland and he was sent to Aden, Yemen, to live with his uncle at an early age. Hadraawi moved to Mogadishu in the late 1960s. During this time, most of his work focused, like most other poets at the time, on the theme of love. In these high days of romance, Hadrawi produced poems like’Todobaadan Midhabley’ and songs such as, ‘Baladweyn’, ‘Jacayl Dhiig Malagu Qoray?’, ‘Hooyooy’, ‘Cajabey, Cajiibey’. One could write a whole book about each song and poem as they all have their own story. The songs of this era written by Hadraawi, have been sung by the greatest Somali singers like Hassan Adan Samater, Mahamed Mooge, Haliima Khaliif Magool, Mohamed Saleban and many others.
In the 1970s, Hadraawi’s artistic productions evolved to address more social and political themes. During this time Hadraawi co-wrote the landmark political play ‘Aqoon iyo Afgarad’ with the late Mahamed Hashi Dhama ‘Gaarriye’, Siciid Saalax and late Musse Abdi Elmi.
In 1973, Hadraawi was jailed for five years. Two years after his release, Hadraawi and his friend, late Mahamed Hashi Dhama ‘Gaarriye’ started the Deeley, one of the most significant political chain poems in Somali History, which divided over 50 artists, poets and thinkers in pro and against government camps.
In 1982, Hadraawi left Mogadishu to join the SNM opposition group which was based in Ethiopia. It was there that he wrote or popularized his main political poems such as ‘Dalaley’, ‘Hanbaber’, ‘Hargeysi ma Toostay’, ‘Bulsho’, ‘Sirta Nolosha’ and many others.
1992, Hadraawi produced ‘Gudgude’, which is regarded as a masterpiece by many of his follower. In this hundred lines long poem, he explains his motivations and aspirations.
That year is also the year he moved to London where he lived for five years. In these five years, most of his friends have asked Hadraawi to seek asylum and settle in the UK but Hadraawi declined. While in London, Hadraawi produced ‘Dabo Huwan’ which is based around an ancient word to describe ‘life’. The work he has since produced while in London offers many insights to his beliefs, which are clearly influenced by his Somali nomadic heritage and his faith.
In 2004, Hadraawi went on a peace march throughout different cities of Somalia ravaged by the civil war, to appeal for peace and to show his solidarity with those suffering. What was one-man’s walk became a march of tens of thousands of Somalis who followed Hadraawi from city to city.
The last two poems that Hadraawi published are, ‘Dhul Gariir’ and ‘Awaal Tiris’. In ‘Dhul Gariir’, he raises awareness about the situation of the Gabooye Somalis, condemning the ill treatment, discrimination and human rights abuses committed against the Gabooye people. The more recent poem, ‘Awaal Tiris’ addresses the hopelessness of Somali men who abuse the use of Qaat and the social implications that comes with that.
Hadraawi now lives in his home town Burao with his wife Hodan and teaches at the University of Burao
We are grateful to our partners and sponsors who made this publication possible such as Prince Claus and Dahabshiil Money Transfer Company.
The Republic of Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, accompanied by the Minister of Presidency, Mr. Hersi Ali Hagi Hassan, arrived in Dubai yesterday evening as part of a diplomatic visit meant to deepen Somaliland’s long-standing economic and security partnership with the United Arab Emirates.
While in Dubai, Foreign Minister Omar will meet with representatives from the government and private sector, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, and intermediaries from the maritime terminal operating and developing company DP World.
The UAE and Somaliland have developed close cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, the fight against piracy and regional affairs. In June 2012, the UAE government showed its commitment to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa by bringing together the presidents of Somaliland and Somalia to ratify a framework for bilateral dialogue meant to clarify future relations between the two countries.
Press office
Email: info@somalilandforeign.net
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Republic of Somaliland.
The Somaliland Minister of Sports, Youth &tourism Hon Ali Said Raygal has announced yet postponement of the national youth tournament which was scheduled to kick-off on the 15th of this month but have now been rescheduled for the 2nd of June 2013.
Hon Ali Said Raygal speaking during a press conference said the reschedulement of the national youth tournament was the result of somalilanders living in the diaspora who requested the youth tournament to be held during the holidays.
“I want to assure the public the that the postponement was not prompted by the threats issued by residents of Ahmed Dhagah who are irritated by the recent killing of four youngsters during the recent riots broke out on the aftermath of the last November local election”, said the sports minister.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that the postponement came about after tribal elders and government ministers held closed door meeting’s this week in which both sides agreed to the reschedulement considering state of affairs in Ahmed Dhagah which is thought to be violate after the recent deaths of the youngsters.
Decades ago I used to live in a country, where more than anything else, people used to enjoy trading good humour and stimulating face to face debates. The natives of that country had one unwritten strict code for debates or even heated arguments about no matter what – that precept was turning your back in protest to whoever offends you and walking away from him not saying a word back to him. For instance, in the course of a discussion, if someone calls you N word, you just walk away not responding to him.
In view of the fact, that the editors of the Somaliland website neither have the time nor pay sober attention to filter out the contents of the poorly written articles and insulting commentaries, will it not be better applying a score system at the bottom of each article besides the current ratings for the commentaries? If that is achieved, people will not take the trouble of wasting their time reading articles that are perceived as disappointing and distasteful. In that case, we will have the opportunity of thumbing down articles we consider to be appalling. Adhering to that rating system, readers will safe time and will not bother reading or commenting to what they perceive as offensive, unfair and a misrepresentation of the facts – this will have the same significance as walking away from somebody in protest. As a result, the distorted media image of all Somalis will be enhanced.
This same rule should apply to the bad commentators, who are usually uneducated or badly educated. More often than not, these people write odious and ludicrous one or two-line commentaries, others write lengthy articles and deceitfully insult a whole nation, clan and/or reverential persons. Such authors are people who are emotional and do not possess the mental capacity of putting a considerate and meaningful argument forward. They get powerlessly frustrated and resort to nonsensical and foul language instead of logic and good manners.
I have observed that the Sovereignty of Somaliland is the most debated subject in the Somali websites and at the same time, this subject creates the most absurd, ridicules and heated emotional discussion that one can think of, this debate takes between the diehard pros and the diehard cons of Somaliland independence. I think I have one solution for this precarious and never ending debate, how about if the pro-Somaliland independence advocates state and limit their comments politely and clearly only on why Somaliland shouldn’t go back to the Somaliland-Somalia union? Equally, the anti-Somaliland folks must state why Somaliland should go back to the union with Somalia and they must state the endowments that Somaliland-Somalia unity will bring to Somaliland. Both parties must be civil and reasonable enough to convince their opponents. Let us discuss this too important subject very seriously and give it the merit it deserves instead of trading cheap insults. Keep in mind; courtesy doesn’t cause money. Please do not comment if you have the tendency of being offensive to other readers.
Nairobi, January 11, 2013–Somali authorities should immediately release a freelance journalist who has been in custody in Mogadishu since Thursday for interviewing a woman who claimed she was raped by government soldiers, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Abdiaziz Abdinuur, who is also known as “Koronto,” has reported for several local and international news outlets, including Dalsan Radio, Badri Media Productions, Radio Ergo, and the U.K.-based Daily Telegraph. He was summoned on Thursday to the Central Investigations Department (CID) in the capital for questioning in connection with his January 6 interview with an internally displaced woman who has claimed that she was raped by several soldiers last year, according to news reports and local journalists who spoke to Abdiaziz. No warrant was issued for the journalist’s arrest, and no charges have been filed against him, the sources said.
The woman has claimed that she was raped by Somali soldiers while living in a camp for internally displaced persons in Mogadishu in December, according to news reports. On January 6, Al-Jazeera English published a story of government soldiers raping internally displaced women in Mogadishu camps. It is unclear if the woman mentioned in the Al-Jazeera story is the woman whom Abdiaziz interviewed, but local journalists said the Al-Jazeera report is what led to police looking for the source of the allegations.
Police also summoned for questioning Omar Faruk, a correspondent for the Al-Jazeera Arabic Service in Somalia, but released him after he said he had no connection with the Al-Jazeera English report.
CID Chief Abdullahi Hassan interrogated the reported victim early Thursday, demanding that she give them contact information for any journalists who interviewed her, and then used her phone to contact Abdiaziz, according to news reports. Police also arrested the woman, but released her on Thursday on the condition that she return today for further questioning.
Abdiaziz told police that he had interviewed the reported victim, but had not published the story, according to local journalists and news reports. Police searched his home and confiscated his laptop, digital recorder, and cellphone, local journalists said.
Authorities did not immediately disclose their reason for detaining and interrogating a person who reported a crime and the individuals to whom she reported it. Repeated calls to the information minister and deputy information minister were not answered.
“It is shameful that Somali authorities have arrested a woman who has reported a rape, and a reporter who documented her story, instead of conducting an investigation into this reported crime,” said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. “There is absolutely no reason Abdulaziz Abdinuur should be in custody. He should be released immediately and his personal property returned.”
· For more data and analysis on Somalia, visit CPJ’s Somalia page here.
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CPJ is a New York-based, independent, nonprofit organization
