| Front Page |
“We Understand Why Somaliland Values its Independence,” Bashir Rage
Mogdisho, July 24, 2004 (SL Times) – Hundreds of Mogadisho’s Abgal
community took part in a memorial service for 47 Somalilanders who
were massacred in July 17, 1989 at Jazira, Mogadisho.
The victims, most of whom were students, were seized by Siyad Barre’s
Red Berets from their homes on the night of July 16, 1989 for the
simple reason of being Isaaks.
The memorial ceremony was conducted on July 18, 2004 at the former
national basketball stadium. Later, mourners went to visit the site
of the mass grave at the outskirts of Mogadisho where the victims
were buried by their executioners.
The well-known Abgal businessman Bashir Rage said during the memorial
service that the perpetrators of the massacre should be brought to
justice. “This heinous crime and many many others of this type were
committed against the people of Somaliland. We sympathize and
understand why Somaliland values its independence so much,” Mr.
Bashir Rage explained . He went on to say that the majority of the
people harbor no ill-feelings against the wishes of the people of
Somaliland to stay independent. “It’s only some politicians that
attack Somaliland for their own self vested interests,” Bashir Rage
added.
The Mogadisho businessman said it is a pity to see some individuals
suspected of committing war crimes like Gen Badma-eeye walking freely
in Mogadisho. Bashir Rage warned that people like Badma-eeye want to
regain the power they had lost.
The memorial service was arranged by Bashir Rage and the Samale
council in Mogadisho. Mr. Rage vowed that the Jazira massacre will be
observed in Mogadisho every July 17th.
Home | Contact us | Links | Archives