49 jailed protesters released as standoff persists over Somaliland election

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) – At least 49 people arrested this month over protests in Somaliland have been released from prison amid an ongoing dispute over presidential elections in the self-declared republic.

The breakaway region in northern Somalia was rocked by protests on Aug. 11 as opposition parties came out against an alleged attempt to postpone polls due to be held in November.

At least five people were killed and 100 more injured as security forces clashed with protesters who were demanding that President Muse Bihi Abdi steps down when his term ends in November.

Some 200 people were arrested over the protests, which were led by Abdirahman Irro, leader of the main opposition Waddani Party, and supported by another opposition group, the Justice and Welfare Party.

The Waddani Party said on Monday that those released from custody include 23 women who were held at a prison in the town of Gabiley, some 58 kilometers (36 miles) from Somaliland’s capital and largest city Hargeisa.

With the standoff over the election yet to be resolved, opposition parties have vowed to continue protests until Abdi’s government finalizes a date.

- Leading opposition figures still in jail

Human Rights Center, an advocacy group in Somaliland, said six leading opposition figures arrested on charges of “inciting the public” during the protests were not among the people released.

All six are senior members of the Waddani Party who were arrested in the days leading up to the protests, according to Yasmin Omar Mohamoud, chairperson of the rights group.

“They were arrested without warrants and accused of planning the protests … They have not been brought to court so far,” she told Anadolu Agency.

“They are suffering from various health issues and do not have access to medication or proper care. They are not allowed to meet their families,” said Mohamoud, adding that the leaders were on hunger strike in protest.

Somaliland, a former British colony, broke away from Somalia in 1990, but has struggled to gain widespread international recognition as an independent state.