Police arrest three local councilors in Borama

Borama (Somaliland.com) – Police forces in Borama, western Somaliland, have detained three local councilors on Thursday.

The arrested councilors were taken to the Borama’s central police station after were accused of involving in an alleged formation of an armed rebel in Awdal region of Somaliland.

In this week, rumors have surfaced indicating that local militia-men are gathering in the Eastern part of Awdal province, bordering with Gabiley region.

The arrest happened in one of the city’s hotels without any court warrant as confirmed by witnesses at the scene.

According to Somaliland law, the local city councilors have immunity from an arrest or prosecution unless their city councils approve their apprehension or caught red-handed.

The three arrested councilors were elected from the Eastern parts of Borama district Specifically Dilla County.

The former deputy of the mayor of Borama Mr. Mohamed Mohmoud Dheerayste, Mustafe Hasan Labo-Qaydle, and Mustafe Indhosheed have been identified as the alleged councilors.

Mr. Adan Osman, mayor of Dilla county, and Aideed Ali Warfaa, County Chief of Police, told local TV, CBA, that Dilla and eastern part of Awdal region is peaceful. The officials denied completely the rumors of rebels gathering in the area, describing it baseless and unfounded.

Somaliland opposition party, UCID, strongly condemned the arrest of the local councilors. Mohamoud Suleiman Ramaah, Secretary of Interior of UCID, told local media that government has not taken legal ways dealing with the alleged members. Mr. Ramaah said that, in the last few months, the government itself is not abiding the law.

This is not the first time that elected members with impunity are arrested in Somaliland. Notable mentions include Gabiley and Oodweyne local councilors and Mr. Dhakool of the house of Representatives.