Somaliland’s main opposition party, Waddani, has called for a demonstration in Hargeisa by it’s supporters on Monday, November, 18th, which the government has banned.
The new Somaliland Police Commissioner, Brig. General, Mohamed Aden, in a press conference, declared that the proposed demonstration by Waddani supporters is an illegal one.
The Commissioner stated that, whilst public demonstrations are permitted under the Somaliland constitution, would be participants need to advise the municipality and the law enforcement agency before preceding with their protests. Any other gathering which could lead to violence is considered a public order offence.
Meanwhile, the Waddani party insist that the demonstration will take place on Monday, and according to sources, two senior party officials, the Secretary-General, Khadar Hussien Abdi and the party spokesperson, Barkhad Jama Batun have been placed under arrest.
The demonstration had been called by the Waddani chair, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, “Cirro”, to protest the recent decision by the Somaliland House of Representative to approve the new National Elections Commission, (NEC).
Somaliland’s opposition parties, Waddani and UCID, have rejected the new commission, mainly due to the nominations made by President Muse Bihi Abdi, and in particular that of a Kulmiye party member and former minister, Abdirashid Mohamud Ali, “Riyo Raac”.
The opposition parties argue that new commission member, Abdirashid Mohamud Ali’s appointment is illegal and contravenes the constitution. The administration argues otherwise.
Sources also confirm that the Waddani HQ in eastern Hargeisa has been cordoned off by the Police, and only those people working there have been given access to the building.
