Somalilandsun: Until further notice the inauguration of new traditional leaders in Somaliland has been banned
This was informed through a decree issued by the Minister of Interior Mohamed Kahin Ahmed in which it was also warned that action will be taken against anyone who tries to disobey the directive thence purport a new tribal chief.
Apart from the ban the interior minister also warned rapists with dire legal consequences while touching on issues related to electioneering as well as national security status.
The ministerial decree was issued following a meeting between the minister and regional governors held at the interior ministry headquarters in the capital Hargeisa
“The inauguration of a new chief is forbidden, and most important billboards announcing such shall not be erected anywhere in the country and anyone violating this directive shall face the wrath of law” said minister Kahin adding that so far a number of people are in custody pending arraignment in court on such charges
Noting that it us usually political parties that front inauguration of new traditional leaders in pursuit of votes the country’s security top honcho sent a stern warning to the three national political parties “Political parties both opposition and ruling namely Wadani, UCID and Kulmiye shall not be spared because the law applies the same for all and the law will be enforced.”
On matters related to security and the responsibility of regional administrators minister Kahin told the governors “Take strong action and Do not be apologetic to anyone who disturbs the peace whatever his-her station in society “while stressing on the importance of banning the digging of waterholes in their respective areas of jurisdiction as it is usually the starting point of community clashes.
Stating that the national elections commission is yet to release parliamentary and local councils elections dates the interior ministers order the administrators to be very vigilant on politicians undertaking either covert or overt vote soliciting campaigns “arrest them” he ordered
Speaking about rape and violence against women, the minister said it was unacceptable for a woman victim to have her case resolved outside the legal process. “Rape is a big problem for us, and it is a big problem for our women.
Terming violence against women as a menace that has been going on unchecked for a long time minister Kahin who referred to the recent incident in which a single mother was raped and murdered in Burao said the administration of president Bihi Abdi shall no longer watch from the side-lines but is now actively engaged with intent to rectify matters
Recently, a government decision geared towards availing justice to women victims of rape and other gender based violence, discards the traditional method of resolution in which the humiliated woman is forced to marry her rapists or her family paid blood money “Anyone who commits rape will be prosecuted, and that is the end of it” concluded the Somaliland interior minister Mohamed Kahin
