Wednesday September 18, 2024
MP Mohamed Abiib speaks during a parliamentary session in Hargeisa, Somaliland, in this undated file photo.
Hargeisa HOL) — The Somaliland Human Rights Commission has raised concerns over the prolonged detention of MP Mohamed Abiib, who has been held at Mandera Prison for over two weeks without formal charges. Abiib was arrested at Hargeisa's Egal International Airport on September 2 after returning from the United Arab Emirates. His arrest came on the heels of his public criticism of President Muse Bihi's administration.
Following a visit to the detention facility, the commission reported that the MP's parliamentary immunity had not been respected. They urged the Somaliland government to uphold the law by ensuring Abiib's access to his legal rights and due process.
"The continued detention of the MP without proper legal procedures is alarming," the commission stated, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding the MP's rights.
The commission has called for immediate action to guarantee that Abiib receives fair treatment under the law.
In a session held last Monday, Somaliland's Parliament voted overwhelmingly—43 out of 47 lawmakers—to reject charges against Abiib, which included allegations of treason, defamation of the military, and aiding the enemy. The vote marked the second time Parliament dismissed attempts to strip Abiib of his immunity and prosecute him.
Despite repeated efforts by the Somaliland Parliament to dismiss the accusations against him being thwarted by procedural issues, Abiib remains in custody, igniting public backlash and raising questions about the government's respect for parliamentary immunity and due process.
The Somaliland government has defended its actions by announcing that Abiib will face trial on treason charges. Deputy Minister of Interior Abdillahi Hussein Mohamed stated that Abiib's case had been pending for some time and claimed that the MP engaged in activities aimed at destabilizing Somaliland.
Abiib's family has been persistent in their efforts to address his detention. His brother, Abdulqadir Abiib, noted that the family has faced restricted access and bureaucratic hurdles in their attempts to visit him. There have been unverified reports of physical mistreatment during his detention, exacerbating concerns over his well-being. The family has made repeated attempts to secure a meeting with President Muse Bihi to address Abiib's detention, but these efforts have so far been unsuccessful. While the Somaliland Human Rights Commission reported that Abiib had not been mistreated, his continued detention without a trial date raises broader human rights issues.
The Somaliland Human Rights Commission has called for immediate action to ensure that Abiib is granted his legal rights.