Hargeysa—(SomalilandPress) the latest scuffle of the Somaliland parliament and the violent demonstrations with rampaging rioters may make the peaceful republic like the strife-ridden southern Somalia.
Like this violence may cause that some Somali militants to take this violence and start new waves of violence and turn Somaliland into a horror state.
With this violence goes on within a week alone, Somaliland is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the east Africa, which had no stable government since warlords overthrew the country’s long-time dictator in 1991. Experts have said crimes may rake in up to Somaliland soon if no solution comes.
“There are growing indications that Somaliland … may become new southern Somalia and may give haven for extremist organizations” that could further destabilize the republic, Somali expert Anab Noh tells Somalilandpress.
He did not elaborate, but called for international efforts to help stamp out the threat.
The eyes of the world are on Somaliland these days as extremist groups are taking advantage of the currently brawl of the MPs and the violent demonstration, to devastate the livelihoods of this quiet republic.
When the Somaliland parliament MPs scuffled, the Alshabaab extremists became ambitious for destroying Somaliland like southern Somalia.
“The answer is neither insurgency nor the Somaliland people to determine their future,” Anab added.
Somaliland has enjoyed relative peace compared with other parts of Somalia since the Horn of Africa nation plunged into anarchy in 1991. But persistent delays to presidential elections have worried rights groups and angered opposition politicians.
A poll set for July was put back to September 27. But the electoral commission postponed the election again this week due to worries about whether a vote could be held in the current political climate amid disputes over new electoral lists.
The motion to impeach President Dahir Riyale Kahin was presented on Saturday and the legal advisor to the lower house told lawmakers on Tuesday the move was legal — sparking an angry response from ruling party politicians.
Somaliland is governed by an opposition-led house of representatives elected by the people and an upper house made up of clan elders. The House of Elders has twice extended President Kahin’s mandate and it is now due to expire on October 29.
The polls are seen as a test for the former British protectorate, which has been clamouring for international recognition since declaring independence after dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown.
By: prof. Clarke Cooper
Email: clarke.danniel@googlemail.com
Johannesburg, South Africa
WTF is he talking about?