Awdal Region Leaders Condemn the Detention of a Local Traditional Leader

Borama (Somaliland.com) – Traditional and political leaders in Awdal region condemn the detention of a traditional leader who opposed government plans of mining in the area.  The supreme traditional leader of Awdal region condemns the detention of Sultan Abshir by Somaliland authorities in Borama.

Ugaas Abdirashid Ugas Roble, the supreme traditional leader of Awdal region regretted that Sultan Abshir is detained for expressing his views. He said this was part of an ongoing onslaught on the people of the coastal areas of Awdal region.

Today, I am hearing that Sultan Abshir is taken into custody. Sultan Abshir is the Grand Sultan. I extremely regret that he was treated like that, that he was taken to jail for exercising his freedom of expression. 

Ugaas Abdirashid Ugaas Rooble

Sultan Mohamed Abshir Du’ale was taken into custody in Borama on Sunday morning after opposing mining activities planned in the region.

Dozens of his supporters took to the streets in Borama to protest his detention. The police swiftly broke up the demonstration using life bullets. One protestor was injured in the confrontation.

The chairman of Waddani Party in Awdal region condemned the detention of the traditional leader. Mohamed Adan Sultan considered it an attempt to intimidate people into silence. 

We condemn his detention. And we think it is a prelude to further intimidation to silence the few people who still speak the truth.

Mohamed Adan Sultan

Mohamed Adan Sultan said the Sultan was arrested for opposing a project led by the ministry of mining that entailed environmental degradation. 

Somaliland government, neither n Hargerisa nor in Borama, has commented on the issue.

Mead Awliyo, Borama