A Hargeisa-based Law Professor Accuses Somaliland Government of Arbitrary Displacement

Professor Mubarak: “Removing a citizen from his/her town of residence and relocating it to another town is illegal; it is against human rights principles, Islamic faith and our Somaliness”

Hargeisa (PP News Desk) —  Professor Mubarak Ibarim Aar, a law professor based in Hargeisa, has described the arbitrary displacement of Somalis in Lasanod as illegal.

“Somaliland seceded from Somalia unilaterally but no country has recognised it. Therefore we are bound by the International Law” said Mubarak. Professor Mubarak drew attention to the Somaliland Constitution, which “emphasises individual responsibility for a crime, not collective punishment”.

“We have to respect the Somaliland Constitution. I heard that people who were arbitrarily  displaced and kicked out of Lasanod after being collectively accused of destabilising the town but that no legal process has been used to displace citizens. Removing a citizen from his/her town of residence and relocating it to another town is illegal; it is against human rights principles, Islamic faith and our Somaliness” added Mubarak.

Mubarak’s comments will put more pressure on President Muse Bihi, who is facing calls to  reverse the  decision to  displace Somalis from Lasanod whose Somali citizenship Bihi questions.

Meanwhile Ali Warancadde, security advisor for Somaliland President, has defended the displacement of Somali citizens from the South “who predominantly live in Sool.” 

© Puntland Post, 2021