Monday September 2, 2024
Somaliland MP Mohamed Abiib seated in the House of Representatives during a parliamentary session in Hargeisa.
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland Member of Parliament Mohamed Abiib was arrested on Monday at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa on his return from the United Arab Emirates, where he had recently criticized the Somaliland government and the Somali National Movement (SNM).
The exact reason for Abiib's detention has not been disclosed by authorities.
Abiib has been an outspoken critic of President Muse Bihi's administration, accusing it of targeting those who challenge its policies.
The arrest follows a previous attempt by the Somaliland Attorney General to revoke Abiib's parliamentary immunity. Abiib dismissed the charges brought against him as baseless and politically motivated. The motion has stalled in the House of Representatives due to resistance from other lawmakers and was declared illegal by the Permanent Committee of the House of Representatives due to procedural errors.
Abiib has been embroiled in a series of legal challenges, including a confrontation with the Speaker of the House and accusations of legal misconduct.
Despite the charges and the arrest, Abiib remains defiant. He has repeatedly stated that he would only resign if the people of Awdal expressed dissatisfaction with his representation.