Monday September 9, 2024
Members of the Somaliland Parliament raise their hands to vote during a session held to dismiss charges against MP Mohamed Abiib. The session, attended by 47 lawmakers, saw 43 voting to reject the charges, which included allegations of treason and defamation of the military. Abiib’s continued detention despite the dismissal has sparked public backlash and intensified political tensions.
Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland's Parliament has again dismissed charges against MP Mohamed Abiib, sparking renewed political and public backlash over his controversial detention. In a session held on Sunday, 43 out of 47 lawmakers voted to reject the charges, which included allegations of treason, defamation of the military, and aiding the enemy. The vote marked the second time that efforts to strip Abiib of his parliamentary immunity and prosecute him have failed.
Despite this parliamentary decision, Abiib remains in custody at Mandheera Prison, raising questions about the legality of his ongoing detention. His arrest on September 2 at Egal International Airport came after he publicly criticized President Muse Bihi's administration and the Somali National Movement (SNM) during a visit to the UAE.
Abiib's continued detention remains a point of intense controversy, with critics claiming it is an effort to stifle dissent. Opposition leaders, particularly Mohamud Hashi Abdi, Chairman of the Kaah Party, have been vocal in condemning the arrest, calling it a clear breach of Abiib's parliamentary immunity.
"The absence of law is now clear, and Mohamed is being held through kidnapping and abduction. We commend the House of Representatives for their stance. All charges against Mohamed have been dismissed; Mohamed is innocent," Hashi said after being denied access to visit Abiib in prison. "This is not just about one MP; it's about protecting the constitutional rights of all lawmakers."
Abiib's family has voiced growing alarm over his condition while in custody. His brother, Abdulqadir Abiib, stated that the family has been unable to visit him due to restricted access and bureaucratic delays. Unverified reports of physical mistreatment while in prison have heightened their concerns.
Attempts by the family to secure a meeting with President Muse Bihi to address the issue have so far been unsuccessful.
Abiib's legal troubles have been marked by procedural issues. In July, the Permanent Committee of the House ruled a prior impeachment attempt illegal, citing a lack of quorum. Somaliland law requires a two-thirds majority vote to revoke a lawmaker's immunity, which was not met in Abiib's case. Yet, despite the absence of the required quorum, Abiib was still arrested, leading to widespread accusations that the charges are politically motivated.
Awdal Federal MP Asha Koos also expressed concern during Abiib's previous impeachment vote, warning that if the government continues to target Abiib, other lawmakers from Awdal might resign in protest.
Abiib's case has further inflamed regional tensions, particularly in his home base in the Awdal region. The targeting of a high-profile MP from Awdal has deepened resentment and risks destabilizing Somaliland's political climate ahead of its national elections in November.
Opposition leaders have accused President Bihi's administration of increasingly authoritarian behaviour, using the judiciary to quash political opposition.